Magnetic Patents (Class 15/220.2)
  • Patent number: 11318915
    Abstract: The present invention is a flexible magnetic cleaning apparatus. Once installed, the flexible magnetic cleaning apparatus conforms to the curvature of a windshield, providing sufficient cleaning contact along the windshield. The flexible magnetic cleaning apparatus contains a cleaning paddle and a handle. The cleaning paddle contains a pad connection joint, at least one pad, at least one magnet, and a cleaning layer. The at least one pad is connected to and distributed about the pad connection joint. The handle is positioned adjacent to the pad connection joint opposite to the at least one pad. Each of the at least one magnet is positioned within one of the at least one pad. The cleaning layer is attached adjacent to the at least one pad opposite to the pad connection joint. This optimizes the cleaning process compared to cleaning implements that do not conform to the cleaning surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: John Moulton
  • Patent number: 10582818
    Abstract: A cleaning assembly cleans a multi layered glass window having at least two glasses forming an internal space. The cleaning assembly includes an internal magnetic body and an outer magnetic body. The internal magnetic body is disposed in the internal space of the glass window. The internal magnetic body includes an internal magnetic module including two or more pair of magnetic parts spaced apart from each other, a housing receiving each of the internal magnetic modules, and a bracket forming each of the housings as one structure, the pair of magnetic parts including two magnets facing each other by repulsion. The outer magnetic body includes an outer magnetic module attracted with the internal magnetic module, and a cleaning part surface contacted with an outer surface of the glass window by the attraction to clean the outer surface of the glass window corresponding to the outer magnetic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Hee Young Kang
  • Patent number: 10384651
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for cleaning the light scattering film (LSF) from the surface of a windshield in a vehicle, and more particularly, is directed to a magnetically associated cleaning element that is moved across the interior surface of a windshield by an interactive magnetic force transmitted through the windshield, with magnets associated with the wiper assembly on the other side of the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 10219654
    Abstract: The invention discloses a facilitated cooking method which allows it to stir and heat food on the basis of magnetic fields preferably respectively by induction cooking. A magnetic stirrer heater (110) is preferably propelled by coils (125, 128) and heated by an induction coil (110). A corresponding arrangement and a magnetic stirrer heater are disclosed as well. The combined heating and stirring arrangement can be used for automated cooking by carrying out the stirring and heating of the food according to a time schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Stefano Carella, Michael Herzog, Alex Viroli
  • Patent number: 9144960
    Abstract: A device uses magnetic force generated by a magnet to intensify compaction pressure applied to a composite laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: James J. Childress, Alan W. Baker, Mark Klewiada
  • Publication number: 20140332030
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides window cleaning devices and methods for using same to clean a window, for example an exterior surface of a window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jamé TRUDEAU, Chris TRUDEAU
  • Patent number: 8826482
    Abstract: Provided are a window cleaning apparatus including first and second cleaning units which are respectively attached on both surfaces of a window using a magnetic force to move together with each other, and a method for controlling a movement of the window cleaning apparatus. The window cleaning apparatus includes a direction detecting sensor, a control part, a collision sensing part, and an offset setting part. The direction detecting sensor is provided to at least one of the first and second cleaning units to detect a moving direction of the window cleaning apparatus. The control part controls a movement of the window cleaning apparatus, based on the moving direction detected by the direction detecting sensor. The collision sensing part senses a shock to the window cleaning apparatus. The offset setting part sets a direction offset of the direction detecting sensor when the window cleaning apparatus collides with a frame of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd., Korea Institute of Robot & Convergence
    Inventors: Man Hyun Ryu, Kwang Mok Jung, Young Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 8783991
    Abstract: Described herein are techniques related to a magnetic tool for cleaning one or more surfaces of a plate of magnetically permeable material, such as a window. With an implementation described herein, the tool includes a pair of magnetically attracted utensils designed to be magnetically coupled together through a window. While a user slides the utensil along an interior surface of the window, the second utensil follows the first utensil and slides along the exterior surface of the window. The second utensil is tethered to a fluid pump via a fluid-conductive hose. In this way, cleaning fluid may be delivered to the second utensil while it is on the exterior surface of the window and cleaning that surface. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Jamé Trudeau
  • Patent number: 8528149
    Abstract: A moisture removal device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a first wiper and a second wiper that are magnetically attracted to each other. Each wiper may include a shell layer and an absorber layer that collectively assist with removing moisture and/or dirt or other materials from an object such as a mask, protective eyewear, glasses, or the like. The device can be placed on the object such that one wiper is on an outside surface and one wiper is on an inside surface. The device can be used to remove moisture from one or both surfaces without requiring a user to remove the protective eyewear from his or her head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel J Statkus
  • Patent number: 8256122
    Abstract: A two part scraper for scraping glass and other substrates, wherein a scraping part may be located on one side of the substrate and a handle member may be located on the other side. The two parts are magnetically coupled and move in tandem when the handle part is pulled by the user. A cutting blade may be received within a blade holder which may be mounted to the scraping part by screws and coil springs. The blade holder may be mounted at an angle such as a forty-five degree angle to the surface being scraped. The scraping part may comprise hook and loop material as a scrubbing surface and may have a suction cup located on that surface contacting the substrate. The handle part may have a soft felt lining for contacting the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: John T. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 8161909
    Abstract: An aquarium wall cleaning device and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The device may include a first flexible member including a main body formed from a flexible buoyant material, a first magnetic or magnetically attractable element disposed within the main body of the first flexible member, and a first layer attached to the main body of first flexible member and having an abrasive surface. The first flexible member may be substantially neutrally buoyant or negatively buoyant in water. The device may also include a second member including a main body, a second magnetic or magnetically attractable element disposed within the main body of the second member, and a second layer having a soft surface attached to the main body of the second member. At least one of the first and second magnetic or magnetically attractable elements may include a magnetic material. The other of the first and second elements may be magnetically attracted to the magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Julian Sprung
  • Patent number: 8151401
    Abstract: There is disclosed a variable strength magnetic window cleaning device having a master and slave unit utilizing magnetic force to simultaneously clean both the inside and outside panes of a window. When a user moves the master unit from inside, the slave unit follows the master unit along the outside window, thus cleaning both sides of the window panes simultaneously. A replaceable cleaning surface such as premoistened disposable wipe is secured across the engagement surface area and contacts the window surface to effect the cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Cheyne
  • Patent number: 8057606
    Abstract: A glass cleaning device employs an inner component having a body with an associated first cleaning element and a second movable portion positionable from a first to second position, the second portion associated with a second cleaning element. A support magnet is carried within the body and at least one magnetic element is carried in the second movable portion. An outer component provides a handle for manipulation by a user with a first magnetic element carried within the handle for operable engagement of the support magnetic in the inner component to draw the body into contact with an inner surface of an aquarium wall to be cleaned. A selection magnet carried within the handle allows engagement with at least one magnetic element in the movable portion. Positioning of the selection magnet adjacent the magnetic element actuates the movable portion for operable engagement of the second cleaning element on the inner surface of the aquarium wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Duard W. Enoch, III, Harry Linden
  • Publication number: 20110154601
    Abstract: Magnetic car window wiper comprises one inner magnetic plate, one outer magnetic plate and one connecting string. The outer magnetic plate is placed outside car window and inner magnetic plate is placed inside car window. In raining day driver can move inner magnetic plate against car window from side to side to attract and move by magnetic force outer magnetic plate from side to side to wipe rain water off outside car window for better vision of side mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Kun Yuan Tong
  • Patent number: 7784428
    Abstract: A magnetic scrubber assembly and its design method for cleaning the wall-glass of an aquarium are provided. The center of gravity of the internal scrubbing component is designed underneath its the geometrically horizontal central axes. A product of length Lp from a center of gravity Pp of an internal scrubbing component to a lowest part and the center of gravity P of the internal scrubbing component is smaller than a product of a length Lf from equivalent function point Pf of buoyancy F such that the internal scrubbing component is received to its lowest part. This ensures that the internal scrubbing component can erect automatically after it is lied down. When the internal scrubbing component breaks away from the control of a hand-held scrubbing component, the internal scrubbing component can sink upright, and the magnetic scrubber assembly is restored to the normal operation condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Shenzhen Xing Risheng Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Peixing Deng
  • Patent number: 7725977
    Abstract: A remote surface preparation device for preparing a remote surface, such as cleaning the inside surface of an aquarium tank from the outside is provided. The device includes a remotely actuated surface preparation assembly having a body with at least one magnetic element for coupling it for remote actuation to complimentary magnetic elements in a moving drive head disposed at some distance therefrom. The device includes an adjustment mechanism which can vary the magnitude of the magnetic forces coupling the remote surface preparation assembly to the device, even during device operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Gary A. Remer
  • Publication number: 20090106925
    Abstract: There is disclosed a variable strength magnetic window cleaning device having a master and slave unit utilizing magnetic force to simultaneously clean both the inside and outside panes of a window. When a user moves the master unit from inside, the slave unit follows the master unit along the outside window, thus cleaning both sides of the window panes simultaneously. A replaceable cleaning surface such as premoistened disposable wipe is secured across the engagement surface area and contacts the window surface to effect the cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Brian Cheyne
  • Patent number: 7506612
    Abstract: An aquarium cleaning device having an inner component with a plate employing a cleaning surface and an alternative cleaning element operative on a second surface opposite the cleaning surface. A magnetic element is carried by the plate and means for providing orienting buoyancy is carried adjacent one end of the plate. An outer component has a body with a surface for engaging the exterior of an aquarium wall. A second magnetic element is carried by the body such that the body is positionable for magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements with the cleaning surface adjacent the aquarium wall or with the second surface adjacent the aquarium wall. By moving the body between the first and second positions, the inner component is flipped within the aquarium to alternate the cleaning elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventors: Duard W. Enoch, III, Harry Linden
  • Publication number: 20080256735
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cleaning system having a first member and a second member. The system is particularly suitable for cleaning glass and other surfaces particularly where both sides of the glass are to be cleaned together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Lauren Campbell
  • Patent number: 7356870
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for cleaning the surfaces of a water pipe. The present invention includes a major unit and a minor unit that are magnetically coupled. The pipe cleaning apparatus cleans the surfaces of a water pipe as it is moved in conjunction (maintaining a magnetic connection) along the inside and outside surfaces of the pipe. The cleaning apparatus efficiently and effectively cleans the residue that builds up on the inside surfaces of a tobacco pipe, but also provides entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Chad VanHulzen
  • Patent number: 7313840
    Abstract: An induction liquid pump includes a power unit and a circulation unit that are oppositely mountable to a tank with a plurality of fixation units. The liquid pump power unit includes a power induction unit to produce a variable magnetic field. The submersible liquid pump circulation unit includes an impeller unit to agitate or induce liquid flow in response to the variable magnetic field. A magnetic scrubber includes a power unit and a pad unit. The scrubber power unit produces a variable magnetic field in response to supplied power. When the scrubber power unit is held against a first surface of a tank, the scrubber pad unit is held oppositely against a second surface of the tank. The scrubber pad unit moves in response to the variable magnetic field to scrub the second surface of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Charles E. Watkins
  • Patent number: 7313841
    Abstract: Present invention relates a suspendable magnetic brush for cleaning an aquarium with curved window surface, characterized in that an upper cover with an air chamber is attached tightly to a bottom cover with a cleaning material layer underneath, and an inner cover with a magnet located therein is provided inside the air chamber, said inner cover being attached to the bottom cover while isolated from the air chamber. Said upper cover having through holes connecting the air chamber to the exterior of the device. It is possible to adjust the air or liquid in the air chamber through the holes connecting the upper cover and the air chamber so that the weight of the interior magnetic brush can be adjusted so as to balance all the forces exerted upon the interior magnetic brush. As a result the interior elements of the brush can suspend in the water and move smoothly on the aquarium window upon the manipulation of the exterior brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Tong Huang
  • Patent number: 6988290
    Abstract: A remotely actuated surface cleaning device employs an inner component having a resiliently flexible body with a plurality of embedded magnets and a cleaning element to engage a surface to be cleaned. An outer housing containing an electric motor moves a support disc containing an operably like plurality of magnets to those embedded in the body. The inner and outer components are placed oppositely adjacent on the surface to be cleaned thereby supporting the inner component with respect to the outer component by magnetic attraction. Operation of the motor moving the second support disc causes the sympathetic motion of the first support disc and body thereby rapidly moving the cleaning element across the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventors: Duard W. Enoch, III, Harry Linden
  • Patent number: 6865771
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning liquid-filled tanks, e.g., aquariums, includes an inner cleaning assembly which moves across the interior wall of the tank and an outer cleaning assembly which moves across the exterior wall of the tank. The inner and outer cleaning assembly are magnetically attracted to each other so that manipulation of the outer cleaning assembly results in corresponding motion of the inner cleaning assembly. The inner cleaning assembly bears a cleaning pad which moves across the tank wall to clean matter therefrom. The inner cleaning assembly is buoyant so that interruption of the magnetic engagement between the inner and outer cleaning assemblies results in the inner cleaning assembly floating to the top of the liquid-filled tank for easier retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Bakker Holding Son B.V.
    Inventor: Mark A. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20040216253
    Abstract: A remotely actuated surface cleaning device employs an inner component having a resiliently flexible body with a plurality of embedded magnets and a cleaning element to engage a surface to be cleaned. An outer housing containing an electric motor moves a support disc containing an operably like plurality of magnets to those embedded in the body. The inner and outer components are placed oppositely adjacent on the surface to be cleaned thereby supporting the inner component with respect to the outer component by magnetic attraction. Operation of the motor moving the second support disc causes the sympathetic motion of the first support disc and body thereby rapidly moving the cleaning element across the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Duard W. Enoch, Harry Linden
  • Patent number: 6790654
    Abstract: A scraper for scraping live cells from a substrate. The scraper comprises a magnetic core and an elastomeric housing surrounding at least a portion of the magnetic core and defining at least one scraping blade. A method of scraping and a system for scraping are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Automation Partnership (Cambridge) Ltd.
    Inventor: David Serge Malinge
  • Publication number: 20040049872
    Abstract: A mechanical cleaning system for transparent material has a separate element on each side of the transparent material and adjacent one another. At least one of the elements is a magnet and the other element is a metal. At least one of the elements has a cleaning material between its respective element and the transparent material. Movement of one of the elements moves the other element and cleans a surface of the transparent material. In the preferred embodiment where cleaning material is on both of the elements, both of the opposed surfaces of the transparent material are simultaneously cleaned by urging one of the elements across the transparent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Toh M. Meng
  • Publication number: 20040031118
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning liquid-filled tanks, e.g., aquariums, includes an inner cleaning assembly which moves across the interior wall of the tank and an outer cleaning assembly which moves across the exterior wall of the tank. The inner and outer cleaning assembly are magnetically attracted to each other so that manipulation of the outer cleaning assembly results in corresponding motion of the inner cleaning assembly. The inner cleaning assembly bears a cleaning pad which moves across the tank wall to clean matter therefrom. The inner cleaning assembly is buoyant so that interruption of the magnetic engagement between the inner and outer cleaning assemblies results in the inner cleaning assembly floating to the top of the liquid-filled tank for easier retrieval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Mark A. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6634052
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning liquid-filled tanks, e.g., aquariums, includes an inner cleaning assembly which moves across the interior wall of the tank and an outer cleaning assembly which moves across the exterior wall of the tank. The inner and outer cleaning assembly are magnetically attracted to each other so that manipulation of the outer cleaning assembly results in corresponding motion of the inner cleaning assembly. The inner cleaning assembly bears a cleaning pad which moves across the tank wall to clean matter therefrom. The inner cleaning assembly is buoyant so that interruption of the magnetic engagement between the inner and outer cleaning assemblies results in the inner cleaning assembly floating to the top of the liquid-filled tank for easier retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Bakker Holding Son B.V.
    Inventor: Mark A. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20020112303
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning liquid-filled tanks, e.g., aquariums, includes an inner cleaning assembly which moves across the interior wall of the tank and an outer cleaning assembly which moves across the exterior wall of the tank. The inner and outer cleaning assembly are magnetically attracted to each other so that manipulation of the outer cleaning assembly results in corresponding motion of the inner cleaning assembly. The inner cleaning assembly bears a cleaning pad which moves across the tank wall to clean matter therefrom. The inner cleaning assembly is buoyant so that interruption of the magnetic engagement between the inner and outer cleaning assemblies results in the inner cleaning assembly floating to the top of the liquid-filled tank for easier retrieval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6348104
    Abstract: A device and method for cleaning the interior window surface of an aquarium comprises a buoyant floatable interior element and an exterior element. At least one element has at least one magnet and the other element has a material attracted to the at least one magnet so the elements attract each other under the influence of a magnetic force between the elements. Such material may be a magnet or magnetically attractive metal. Movement of the exterior element along the exterior window surface of the aquarium causes the buoyant floating interior element to move along the interior window surface of the aquarium thereby cleaning the interior window surface. Once the magnetic force between the elements has been removed, the buoyant floatable interior element floats to and on the surface of the liquid medium present in the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Bakker Holding Son B.V.
    Inventor: Gerardus Henricus Bakker
  • Patent number: 6221170
    Abstract: A diving mask fog wiping device and method which allows fog on the inside of the viewing face plate to be wiped by a slave unit which is magnetically coupled to a master unit on the opposite side of said viewing face plate. Further, the slave unit is magnetically coupled to a resting unit which keeps it out of the line of sight and near the surface of the viewing face plate while it is not being used for wiping. A porous and nonabrasive surface on the slave unit may be soaked in an antifog agent, allowing the agent to be applied and re-applied every time fog is wiped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Caren Marzban, Haejung Paik
  • Patent number: 6206978
    Abstract: A process for using a magnetic aquarium tank wall cleaning tool for cleaning the inner surface of an aquarium having one or more curved interior vertical corners. Magnetic cleaners for aquariums eliminate the need for reaching into the tank or manipulating a cleaner with a long handle. The magnetic tank wall cleaning tool has at least one edge which is curved. The radius of curvature is no more than the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the tank to be cleaned. The cleaner can be manipulated from one flat surface around a curved interior corner by moving the handle horizontally around the corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Roger Williams General Hospital
    Inventor: Jeff Wen Chieh Tsui