Special Work Patents (Class 15/210.1)
  • Patent number: 11974956
    Abstract: A massage gun and a massage gun extension arm having a handle end that can extend through a first bend and further extend to terminate at an attachment end. Various attachment mechanisms may be used to connect the massage gun extension arm to the massage gun, or to a separate massage tool. The massage gun extension arm can include a telescoping adjustment along the portion between the bend and the handle end, or between the bend and the attachment end. In some embodiments, the arm, between the bend and the handle end, can include a disconnection, the disconnection being in the form of a pivoting bend or in a complete disconnection of parts. This disconnection allows for ease of transport, with the massage gun extension arm stored and carried in a relatively small footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Inventor: Nathan Lawrie
  • Patent number: 11963643
    Abstract: A scrubbing tool for cleaning a surface that has a handle for holding by a user in a cleaning operation. The handle has a first connector. The scrubbing tool also has a cleaning head having a second connector configured to mate with the first connector in order to attach the cleaning head to the handle in an engaged position. The cleaning head is comprised entirely of a material configured to dissolve in water and has a cleaning agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: SCRUB DADDY, INC.
    Inventors: John Edward Lee O'Brien, Aaron C. Krause, Aleksandrs Titovs, Joe M. Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 11944242
    Abstract: A scrubbing tool for cleaning a surface that has a handle for holding by a user in a cleaning operation. The handle has a first connector. The scrubbing tool also has a cleaning head having a second connector configured to mate with the first connector in order to attach the cleaning head to the handle in an engaged position. The cleaning head is comprised entirely of a material configured to dissolve in water and has a cleaning agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SCRUB DADDY, INC.
    Inventors: John Edward Lee O'Brien, Aaron C Krause, Aleksandrs Titovs, Joe M Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 11939808
    Abstract: An automatic door operator and a drive mechanism thereof are disclosed. The drive mechanism of the automatic door includes a planetary reducer driven by an electric motor, and a drive shaft driven by a planetary reducer. The planetary reducer includes a housing and a planetary gear train mounted in the housing. The planetary gear train includes a final-stage planet carrier configured to output torque, and a center of the final-stage planet carrier is provided with a torque output hole. A first end of the drive shaft is detachably inserted in the torque output hole and is non-rotatably connected to the torque output hole, and a second end of the drive shaft extends out of the housing. The drive mechanism of the automatic door operator is advantageous to the miniaturization design of the automatic door operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Yong Chen, Jingfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 11931211
    Abstract: A medical device for cleaning a laparoscope can include a service box with a pump and a gas valve. Each of the pump and the gas valve can be in communication with an exit valve. The pump can be configured to draw fluid into the service box, along a fluid feed line, and out of the exit valve. The gas valve can be configured to selectively permit gas into the service box, along the fluid feed line, and out of the exit valve. The medical device can include a trocar that can be in communication with the exit valve via a flexible tubing. The trocar can include a hub and a cannula. The hub can be configured to receive and direct the laparoscope through the cannula. The cannula can be configured to receive fluid and gas from the exit valve and direct the fluid and gas to the open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventors: Maurice Andre Recanati, Katherine Kramer, Hanna G. Ozbeki, Rebeca Kelly, Apoorv Talekar, Satinder Kaur, Michael Croft, Wesley Kuuttila, Theresa Bonucci, Charles Vanerian
  • Patent number: 11926138
    Abstract: Fibrous structures, for example sanitary tissue products, such as toilet tissue, and more particularly fibrous structures containing a movable surface and methods for making same and methods for making same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Joerg Kleinwaechter, Eric Bryan Bond, Matthew Gary McKee, Hasan Eroglu, Tyler Jacob Werner, Jeffrey Chan, Joshua Thomas Fung, Jeffrey Glen Sheehan, Paul Dennis Trokhan, Jean A. Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 11925300
    Abstract: A personal washing tool comprises a tool having a face and handle. The face comprises a reusable adhesive to which a wet wipe or disposable cloth are removable secured. The removable wipe or cloth portion of the tool may be actuated by either a push button mechanism or a sliding switch mechanism either of which are located on the handle. The wipe or cloth portion may be reloaded once a roll is empty and ejected from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Inventor: Rea R. Cabading
  • Patent number: 11927526
    Abstract: A device detection method and system are provided. The method includes: acquiring first spectral intensity graphs for predetermined regions in the cavity of the target device; acquiring second spectral intensity graphs for the predetermined regions when the target device has finished N processing tasks, where N is a natural number; and detecting the cleanliness in the cavity of the target device according to the first spectral intensity graphs and the second spectral intensity graphs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Ben Wang
  • Patent number: 11911805
    Abstract: An optical connector cleaning tool includes a fitting portion (44) fitted in the first or second hole (36, 37) of a connection component (32) into which a compact dual core optical connector is fitted on one end side and a cleaning medium (45) projecting from the fitting portion (44). The fitting portion (44) is formed to have a shape by which the fitting portion (44) is fitted in the first or second hole (36, 37) in each of the first and second postures as postures shifted through 180° with respect to as the center the middle (P2) of a virtual straight line connecting the centers of the two ferrules when viewed from an axial direction of the compact dual core optical connector. The fitting portion (44) contacts one ferrule in a state in which the fitting portion (44) is set in the first posture. The fitting portion (44) contacts the other ferrule in a state in which the fitting portion (44) is set in the second posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignees: NTT ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, SENKO ADVANCED COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Etsu Hashimoto, Yoshiaki Haga, Kazutoshi Ando, Yohei Omodaka
  • Patent number: 11912385
    Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates search and rescue, for example, in open water. The apparatus comprises a substrate with a particular geometry and a perimeter. The apparatus further comprises a cover positioned atop the substrate with the cover also having a particular geometry and perimeter, which correspond to the geometry and perimeter of the substrate. An air-tight seal seals the substrate perimeter to the cover perimeter and creates a sealed internal region. A breakable vessel holding an activator is located in the sealed internal region, along with illuminable dyes that are also located in the sealed internal region. When the breakable vessel is broken, the activator reacts with the illuminable dyes and illuminates the illuminable dyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Battle Sight Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Ripplinger, Christopher J. Vogt
  • Patent number: 11904354
    Abstract: A coating composition for imparting a hydrophobic film on a target surface is provided that includes a quaternary ammonium silane, a polyalkylene glycol, and an optional solid lubricant. A kit is also provided that includes an applicator having the above composition applied and instructions for the composition to a blade of a windshield wiper of a vehicle to impart the hydrophobic film to the vehicle windshield contacted by the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: LLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: John Isidoro Escoto, Tze-Lee Phang, Jiafu Fang
  • Patent number: 11899249
    Abstract: Disclosed are disinfecting covers for optical-fiber connectors. For example, a male disinfecting cover can include a plug, a bore of the plug, an absorbent disposed in the bore, and a disinfectant absorbed by the absorbent. The plug is configured to insert into a receptacle of a female optical-fiber connector. A female disinfecting cover can include a body, a receptacle in the body, an absorbent disposed in the receptacle, and a disinfectant absorbed by the absorbent. The receptacle is configured to accept a male optical-fiber connector. Whether the disinfecting cover is male or female, the absorbent is configured to contact the ferrule and the optical fiber disposed of the optical-fiber connector. Methods can include at least a method of using the male or female disinfecting cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Bard Access Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony K. Misener, Steffan Sowards
  • Patent number: 11861432
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning a media transport device includes a cleaning substrate sized and configured to be inserted within at least a portion of a media travel pathway of a media transport device. The cleaning substrate comprises a cleaning face, along with a handle extending from the cleaning face. The handle is positioned to remain outside of the media transport device while the cleaning face is within the media transport device. The cleaning face comprises a plurality of cleaning elements, each of which is positioned to align with a belt, a drive roller, an idle roller, a drive roller/idle roller pair, or a sensor of the media transport device when the cleaning substrate within the media travel pathway. Methods of using a handled cleaning substrate are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: KICTeam, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen Bailey, Geoffrey Scott Caron, Ian Mccormick, Byron Mehl Kern, II, Kenneth Monroe Pedersen, III, John Condon, Joshua Lee Larsen
  • Patent number: 11814924
    Abstract: The apparatus prepares a downhole tool component, particularly a slip for a plug that seals zones in a wellbore. The apparatus includes a casing holder, a cone insert, and a cap. There is a bottom center connector to hold the cone insert within the casing holder. There are a plurality of spacing bolts, and a top center connector to hold the slip within the space between the cap, the cone insert, and the casing holder. The top center connector can adjust distance between the slip and the cone insert so that the coating on the ramp surface of the slip has a uniform thickness. The invention includes the method of using the apparatus to prepare the slip with coating of uniform thickness to removably engage another component of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: CNPC USA Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Tran, Jeff Maynard, Jianpeng Yue
  • Patent number: 11816513
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a media transport device includes a core layer, a cleaning surface, and an embossment having at least one surface slit across an extended surface of the embossment. The cleaning device may be manufactured by contacting laminating a cleaning surface to at least one side of a core layer and applying heat and/or pressure to form one or more compressible and resilient embossments. The cleaning device may be used to clean a media transport device by inserting a cleaning tool having a core layer, cleaning surface, and an embossment into a media transport device such that an electrical contact comes in contact with the embossment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: KICTeam, Inc.
    Inventors: John Condon, Joshua Lee Larsen
  • Patent number: 11808658
    Abstract: Various implementations of visual inspector attachments for fiber connector cleaners are disclosed. The example fiber optic inspection module includes a camera to capture an image of an end-face, a light source to illuminate the end-face, and a first mirror that reflects light from the light source to the end-face and includes a fixed point that allows the first mirror to pivot. Alternatively, an example fiber optic inspection module includes a camera to capture an image of an end-face, a light source to illuminate the end-face, and a first mirror that reflects light from the light source to the end-face and the first mirror moves in an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Yu Huang, Jose M. Castro, Surendra Chitti Babu, Andrew R. Matcha, Thomas M. Sedor
  • Patent number: 11805955
    Abstract: A cleaning tool arrangement for cleaning internal components of electromechanical devices, including a cleaning tool having a flexible, resilient rod having a first end, a second end, and a lateral dimension, as well as a scraper fin, wherein the scraper fin extends away from the rod in a direction that is perpendicular to the lateral dimension of the rod. The cleaning tool also includes a cleaning head attached to the first end of the rod and extending away from the rod, the cleaning head being pre-saturated with a cleaning solution. Additionally, the cleaning tool arrangement includes a sealed wrapper that is sized and configured to enclose at least the cleaning head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: KICTeam, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen Bailey, John Condon, Geoffrey Scott Caron, Joshua Lee Larsen
  • Patent number: 11794206
    Abstract: A dispensing head for a supply tube that enables material to be evenly applied adjacent to the peripheral edge of a thin structure, such as a vehicle door. The dispensing head has a first end with a first opening and a second end with a discharge opening. A guide extends from the second end. The guide includes a descending element and a lateral foot element, wherein the bottom surface of the second end, the descending element, and the lateral foot element define three sides of an open gap space. The dispensing head is attached to a supply tube. The thin structure is positioned within the guide. The hook shaped guide positions the discharge opening a set distance from the application surface on the thin structure. The guide is moved along the peripheral edge where the material can be dispensed evenly at a set distance from the peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Epaminondas V. Assis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11779171
    Abstract: A scrubbing tool for cleaning a surface that has a handle for holding by a user in a cleaning operation. The handle has a first connector. The scrubbing tool also has a cleaning head having a second connector configured to mate with the first connector in order to attach the cleaning head to the handle in an engaged position. The cleaning head is comprised entirely of a material configured to dissolve in water and has a cleaning agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: SCRUB DADDY, INC.
    Inventors: John Edward Lee O'Brien, Aaron C Krause, Aleksandrs Titovs, Joe M Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 11751730
    Abstract: Improvements in a cleaning brush is disclosed. The cleaning tool has both a larger and smaller cleaning feature a single size cleaning tool to try and cover all uses is obviated. With a larger cleaning head, the larger cleaning head can be optimized for the rim surfaces of a toilet. The inner detailing head retracts into the outer cleaning tool. In the retracted mode the detailing head operates with the larger outer tool and provides a cohesive flat surface for cleaning. A spring can be used to retract the detailing head. The detailing head extends from the center, side or corner of the cleaning tool and extends far enough to allow for full use of the detailing head to effectively reach corners and/or cervices. The handle and or the head can be angled to provide an optimum angle for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventor: Yong S. Chen
  • Patent number: 11744355
    Abstract: A cosmetic brush fixing apparatus includes: an outer tubular body, a fixing ring, and a retainer connecting the outer tubular body with the fixing ring. The fixing ring is connected with a silicone disc which is formed with an insertion opening for mounting a cosmetic brush. A technical key point is that the fixing apparatus is for securing a hand-held part of the cosmetic brush, by using a motor to drive the fixing apparatus to rotate, bristles on the cosmetic brush are driven to rotate, which facilitates the cleaning of the cosmetic brush. By use of cutting grooves formed in the silicone disc, it can adapt to most of cosmetic brushes. Limiting grooves can make a circle center of a cross-section of the cosmetic brush and a circle center of the silicone disc basically coincide with each other when the cosmetic brush is inserted into the silicone disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN TIANYUJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bo Zhang
  • Patent number: 11710011
    Abstract: A cleaning card for cleaning a media transport device includes a substantially planar surface. At least one of the raised surface elements includes at least one scraping element. Optionally, at least one of the raised surface elements also include surface slits that cause asymmetrical deformation of the raised surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: KICTeam, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Lee Larsen, John Condon
  • Patent number: 11707131
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing scratches from tooth enamel configured like a toothbrush that has buffing material where the toothbrush has bristles. Configured in several different iterations so as to comprise a toothbrush shaped instrument that provides ways to attach buffing material. One iteration places the buffing material over the head. Another iteration includes a pad between the head and the buffing material in three buffing surfaces each one of flat, concave, and convex. The pad and buffing material configured severally to facilitate mating to the neck of the apparatus by known methods. The head further including an integrated head portion, pad, and buffing material in one of flat, concave, and convex shapes that attach to the neck and handle. The user places the buffing material against the teeth and moves the apparatus back and forth to buff the surfaces and smooth the enamel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventor: Nickey Bishop
  • Patent number: 11701681
    Abstract: A device and method for applying a material to a hard surface. The device has a sensor and one or more applicator nozzles. The device further includes a reservoir for containing a material to be deposited, and a CPU. The method includes providing information from the sensor about the surface to the CPU, which uses the information to identify where the material is to be deposited and/or how much to deposit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stephan Gary Bush, Ted De Castro, Gayle Marie Frankenbach, Dana Paul Gruenbacher, Kenneth Lee Morand, Thomas Elliot Rabe, Faiz Feisal Sherman, Nicola John Policicchio, Philip Andrew Sawin, Jeremy Michael Carter
  • Patent number: 11679420
    Abstract: The device includes a substantially cylindrical oblong rigid extension member having a distal end upon which is formed an articulatable jaw structure, and an opposite proximal end including a hand-operable trigger for actuating the jaw structure between open and closed positions. A collector sock made from a pliable sheet material can be mounted upon the jaw structure so that the sock enwraps the entire fan blade. The inner surface of the sock surrounding its open end includes a plush surface which can conform to uneven or embossed surfaces on the fan blades so that the sock scrapes off and captures dust and other debris from the fan blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventor: Korri L. Wright
  • Patent number: 11675139
    Abstract: A dustcap comprises a body having a cylindrical portion configured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector, and an end portion opposite the cylindrical portion. The end portion includes a receptacle. The dustcap has a built-in cleaner disposed within the receptacle. The dustcap further comprises a removable cover configured to couple to the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the end portion includes a flat surface, the cleaner is disposed on the flat surface of the end portion, and the cover is configured to receive the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the cover has a receptacle and the cleaner is disposed within the receptacle, whereas the body comprises an end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the cover with the built-in cleaner. Embodiments encompass cleaner assemblies and adapter dustcaps having built-in cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Patent number: 11643177
    Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates search and rescue, for example, in open water. The apparatus comprises a substrate with a particular geometry and a perimeter. The apparatus further comprises a cover positioned atop the substrate with the cover also having a particular geometry and perimeter, which correspond to the geometry and perimeter of the substrate. An air-tight seal seals the substrate perimeter to the cover perimeter and creates a sealed internal region. A breakable vessel holding an activator is located in the sealed internal region, along with illuminable dyes that are also located in the sealed internal region. When the breakable vessel is broken, the activator reacts with the illuminable dyes and illuminates the illuminable dyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Battle Sight Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Ripplinger, Christopher J. Vogt
  • Patent number: 11644626
    Abstract: Various implementations of fiber optic inspection tools with integrated cleaning mechanisms are disclosed. The fiber optic inspection and cleaning tool includes a housing, a cleaning system and an imaging system. The cleaning system includes a pay-off reel, a take-up reel, a spindle and a cleaning tape that travels off the pay-off reel, around the spindle, and onto the take-up reel. The imaging system includes a camera and a light source. The camera, spindle, and cleaning tape are aligned along a visual axis. The pay-off reel, take-up reel, camera and light source are all located within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jose M. Castro, Thomas M. Sedor, Yu Huang, Steven M. Bytnar, Surendra Chitti Babu, Andrew R. Matcha
  • Patent number: 11623251
    Abstract: The device includes a substantially cylindrical, oblong, rigid, extension pole having a distal end upon which is formed an articulatable jaw structure head which can be actuated between open and closed positions by the pull of either a medial handle or knob located at the proximal end. A collector sock made from a pliable sheet material can be mounted upon the jaw structure so that the sock enwraps the entire item to be dusted such as a ceiling fan blade. The inner surface of the sock surrounding its open end maw can include asperities and electrostatic, dust adhering fibers to help scrape off and capture fine particles of dust and other debris from the item being dusted. The head can include a pair of parallely separatable cantelevered beams engaging the sock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Korri L. Wright
  • Patent number: 11617485
    Abstract: A cleaning robot includes a main body, a drive assembly and a cleaning assembly. The main body includes a bottom part. The cleaning assembly includes a mounting part, a wiping part and a release part. The mounting part is positioned on the bottom part. The mounting part includes a first rail, a second rail, and a first positioning part. The wiping part is positioned on the mounting part and includes a second positioning part, the wiping part is movable from first ends of the first rail and the second rail to second ends thereof until the second positioning part abuts against the first positioning part whereby the wiping part is fixed on the mounting part. The release part is positioned on the mounting part and configured to separate the second positioning part from the first positioning part whereby the wiping part is detached from the mounting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SILVER STAR INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Feidu Liang, Zhongyan Shu, Changtai Xia, Ruijun Yan
  • Patent number: 11577286
    Abstract: A debris collection and metrology system for collecting and analyzing debris from a tip used in nanomachining processes, the system including an irradiation source, an irradiation detector, an actuator, and a controller. The irradiation source is operable to direct incident irradiation onto the tip, and the irradiation detector is operable to receive a sample irradiation from the tip, the sample irradiation being generated as a result of the direct incident irradiation being applied onto the tip. The controller is operatively coupled to an actuator system and the irradiation detector, and the controller is operable to receive a first signal based on a first response of the irradiation detector to the sample irradiation, and the controller is operable to effect relative motion between the tip and at least one of the irradiation source and the irradiation detector based on the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Bruker Nano, Inc.
    Inventors: Tod Evan Robinson, Bernabe Arruza, Kenneth Gilbert Roessler, David Brinkley, Jeffrey E. LeClaire
  • Patent number: 11571104
    Abstract: A cleaning pad for an autonomous cleaning robot evenly wets and collects debris for cleaning operations. The pad includes a core of absorbent layers for absorbing liquid through capillary action and for distributing the liquid within the cleaning pad. The pad includes a wrap layer around the core, the wrap layer comprising a fibrous layer that is flexible and absorbent, the fibrous layer configured to absorb liquid through capillary action and transfer the liquid to the core. The pad includes one or more transition regions spanning a cleaning width of the cleaning pad, the one or more transition regions dividing the cleaning pad into at least two segments. The forward positioned segment of the pad, of the at least two segments of the pad, has a lesser thickness compared to a thickness of an aft positioned segment of the at least two segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus Williams, Lin Lung Chieh
  • Patent number: 11547896
    Abstract: A multifunctional mobile exercise apparatus and method for exercising the upper extremities is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, an elongate shaft pivotally coupled to the base, a plurality of ground lockable ground wheels supporting the base. The apparatus includes a resistance clip that is selectively positionable along a length of the elongate shaft. A cylindrical sleeve may also be provided for sliding, with or without a resistance band, along the length of the elongate shaft. The mobile exercise apparatus provides single or bilateral hold for one or more resistance bands and the mobile arm. The resistance band and the mobile arm can be held by the injured or non-injured extremity. The elongate shaft and locks up to 8 feet high, and can also be used for the attachment jumbo resistance clips, or for the sliding exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: Sheri Elizabeth Roberts
  • Patent number: 11540613
    Abstract: Provided is an assembly for a nail pen comprising: a) a nib made from a material that is configured to allow for movement of varnish from inside of the nail pen to the nib, and from the nib to a nail; b) a guide made from a material that is non-absorbent to the varnish, the guide extending below a surface of the nib that is configured to apply varnish to the nail; wherein a user applies a strip of the varnish to a distal portion of the nail by holding the guide against an edge of the nail and moving the nail pen along the distal portion of the nail so that the surface of the nib holding the varnish contacts the distal portion of the nail to apply varnish to the nail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Noushin Laaly
  • Patent number: 11433433
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor includes: a pivot frame rotatably mounted with respect to the LiDAR sensor; a cleaning wire mounted on the pivot frame, and having a straight portion contacting a surface of the LiDAR sensor; and a drive mechanism allowing the pivot frame to pivot, wherein rotating of the pivot frame allows the straight portion of the cleaning wire to contact the surface of the LiDAR sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Heui Jae Jeong
  • Patent number: 11370950
    Abstract: A first object of the present invention is to provide a surface-modified inorganic nitride having excellent dispersibility. Furthermore, a second object of the present invention is to provide a composition, a thermally conductive material, and a device with a thermally conductive layer which contain the surface-modified inorganic nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Hitomi, Keita Takahashi, Naoyuki Hayashi, Teruki Niori, Daisuke Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11351568
    Abstract: A paint edger for applying paint with a paint applicator pad that is coupled to the paint edger. The paint edger includes a frame having a base with a forward side, a rear side, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, the first lateral side defines a first edge. The paint edger also includes an ejection mechanism supported by the frame. The ejection mechanism defines a second edge adjacent the second lateral side of the base. The ejection mechanism includes an actuator. The actuator is operable to move the second edge relative to the frame to uncouple the paint applicator pad from the paint edger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Nova Wildcat Shur-Line, LLC
    Inventor: John Jacobson
  • Patent number: 11268053
    Abstract: Unit dose packs and methods of producing and using the same are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a unit dose pack includes a cover that is non-water soluble, and a wash composition encapsulated within the cover to form the unit dose pack. The wash composition is a solid. The cover is stitched together with a thread to form a pouch around the wash composition, and the thread is water soluble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Henkel IP & Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Holly Ann Robillard, Sandra Rubino Pisarczyk, Cathelina Vasty Eliacin, Karli J. Smith, Erin Michelle Schweitzer, Leland L. Civils, Chris Crosby Turek, Brian A. Warren, Daniel T. Piorkowski
  • Patent number: 11246398
    Abstract: A toothbrush apparatus including a handle, and attached first and second U-shaped members, each having first and second sections which are substantially parallel to each other and a third section which is substantially perpendicular to the first and second sections of the respective U-shaped member, which connects the first and second sections of the respective U-shaped member together. The second U-shaped member is attached to the handle, so that the U-shape of the first U-shaped member faces in a substantially opposite direction from the U-shape of the second U-shaped member; and wherein a plurality of toothbrush bristles project from each of the first, second, and third sections of the first and second U-shaped members. One or more channels may be located in the handle, permitting a liquid to flow through at least part of the handle and into an area enclosed by the sections of the respective U-shaped members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventor: Ludlow D. Forbes
  • Patent number: 11226454
    Abstract: A cleaning tool for an optical connector includes: a body part; a substrate to which the body part is fixed; and a head unit that includes: a head that presses a cleaning unit against the optical connector; and a head housing that houses the head. The head housing fits on a housing of the optical connector, and the head unit moves with respect to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Junichi Nakane
  • Patent number: 11207708
    Abstract: An applicator for introducing a fluid to a plant includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally connected to one another at one end. The other ends are spaced apart to receive the plant therein when the applicator is in a rest position and are driven together upon pivoting of the arms to place the applicator in an application position. A fluid injector is mounted on the first arm and includes an injector body and a diaphragm defining a plurality of channels. The diaphragm includes a pliable dome defining a reservoir to receive the fluid and a plurality of applicator nodes. A respective applicator node is positioned near a terminus of each channel. A driving member engages the pliable dome when the applicator is pivoted to the application position. The pliable dome is then compressed by the driving member to direct the fluid through the plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Chapin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: David Dubiel
  • Patent number: 11173021
    Abstract: A replacement toothbrush head assembly is provided for an electric toothbrush. The replacement toothbrush head assembly is provided in the form of an assembly that includes a head portion and a stem portion, such that the head portion may be selectively and easily attached and detached from the stem portion. The head includes a plurality of bristles extending from a main body having a coupling portion. The stem includes a corresponding locking portion configured to receive the coupling portion, such that the head is releasably coupled to the stem in an assembled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: Mihran Papazian
  • Patent number: 11141754
    Abstract: Liquid product application (ceramic coatings, surface sealants) tools/medium are disclosed herein. More particularly, a liquid product applicator having an impenetrable layer of material between the absorbent textile layer, for example microfiber, and an interior substrate layers of a composite product (foam).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Ian Rammelkamp
  • Patent number: 11122879
    Abstract: Hygienic cosmetic applicators, blenders and aids, and more particularly to a soft, resilient blender system that includes an open-cell memory foam surface component that is easily cleanable or disposable in combination with a core resilient component that is fluid impermeable. Hygienic cosmetic applicators, blenders and aids including a core component with one or more spring elements for greatly accelerating the rebound of the blender surface from a compressed state to a repose memory state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 10980389
    Abstract: A device for cleaning the base of a wall generally compromises an extendable handle retaining member that is free to swivel about a predetermined range of motion. This action also allows you to get into those hard-to-reach areas without bending, stooping, or kneeling for prolonged periods. The placement of the handle will allow the device to be steered or guided more easily than other wheelbase arrangements. A base member includes a plurality of wheels on a wheelbase to allow the base member to balance on its wheelbase unaided. This is also used for sturdiness and durability. This device has several cleaning attachments such as a sponge, a scouring pad, a dust mop, and a wringer mop to accommodate baseboards of various dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Joshua Timothy-Hugh Holmes
  • Patent number: 10967672
    Abstract: A paint palette system for holding and dispersing paint wherein a painter can pour paint into a low profile receptacle for later removal with a paintbrush or like tool is provided. A disposable and removable paint retaining fabric retains the paint in a drip-less and mess free fashion. The paint can be transported and stored in an improved manner allowing for a faster and more efficient painting effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TULKO HARDWARE, LLC
    Inventor: Ben Michael Mayberry
  • Patent number: 10932629
    Abstract: An automatic toilet seat cleaning device is disclosed herein. The bathroom hygiene device includes an automated toilet seat cleaner having a track mounted on the inside and outside edge of the toilet seat. Furthermore, the motorized cleaning device has a replaceable cleaning pad, and wheel or roller elements which are coupled to the tracks and allow the cleaning deice to move around the surface of the seat. Additionally, the toilet seat includes an integral heating element mounted to a bottom end of the toilet seat. The heating element controls the temperature of the toilet seat to maintain a comfortable temperature for a user. Furthermore, the toilet seat includes a mounting section where the device can be stored and charged when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Dani Hernandez
  • Patent number: 10918256
    Abstract: The cleaning towel includes one or more fabrics, joined together to form a sleeve along a top portion of the towel. The sleeve is configured to receive a bendable member. An opening opens into the sleeve to facilitate insertion and removal of the bendable member into and from the sleeve. By joining multiple edges together, a cavity may be formed within the towel, adjacent to the sleeve. An opening may be provided along one or more edges for accessing the cavity. The fabric(s) may be of the same or differing materials. The towel may be of varying sizes and constructed of a variety of suitable materials. Likewise, the bendable member may be constructed in varying sizes and made of a variety of suitable materials, depending on the particular application and desired flexibility. The towel may include a hang loop to facilitate engagement with a hang hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventor: Marcella Romaya
  • Patent number: 10875058
    Abstract: The device includes a substantially cylindrical, oblong, rigid, extension pole having a distal end upon which is formed an articulatable jaw structure head which can be actuated between open and closed positions by the pull of either a medial handle or knob located at the proximal end. A collector sock made from a pliable sheet material can be mounted upon the jaw structure so that the sock enwraps the entire fan blade. The inner surface of the sock surrounding its open end maw can include asperities and electrostatic, dust adhering fibers to help scrape off and capture fine particles of dust and other debris from the fan blade. The head can include a pair of parallely separatable cantelevered beams engaging the sock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Korri L. Wright
  • Patent number: 10828545
    Abstract: A system for securing cleaning surfaces onto the shoe of a golfer provides a simple, easy, and quick solution for cleaning the sand, dirt, or grass from the face of a golf club without delaying the next shot, breaking the golfer's concentration, slowing play, or any other inconveniences resulting from existing cleaning methods. The system includes two different cleaning tools, such as a brush and a buff pad, which are each secured adjacent to one another to the shoe for easy access by the club face between shots, without delay and with great cleaning effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: Robert P. Engel