Additional Chamber For Generating Steam (e.g., Flash Chamber) Patents (Class 38/77.83)
  • Patent number: 11773532
    Abstract: A water delivery apparatus (100) for use at a household appliance is provided. The water apparatus comprises an air-tight water storage unit (110) configured to store water, an air channel (120) configured to allow air to enter the water storage unit at a predetermined height level so as to regulate the water pressure in the water storage unit, and a water delivery tube (130) connected to a component of the household appliance at which water is utilized for performing a function of the household appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Mart Kornelis-Jan Te Velde
  • Patent number: 11629453
    Abstract: A garment steaming device includes a housing having a reservoir for containing liquid therein, a head portion connected to the housing, and a steam generator contained within the head portion, the steam generator being in fluid communication with the reservoir for generating steam from the liquid contained in the reservoir. The steam generator includes a first layer and a second layer and at least one heating element sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer and the second layer define a steam flowpath that is configured such that steam flows back and forth between the first layer and the second layer before exiting the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Conair LLC
    Inventor: Kin Man Lai
  • Patent number: 11505893
    Abstract: A garment steaming device includes a housing having a reservoir for containing liquid therein, a head portion connected to the housing, and a steam generator contained within the head portion, the steam generator being in fluid communication with the reservoir for generating steam from the liquid contained in the reservoir. The steam generator includes a first layer and a second layer and at least one heating element sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer and the second layer define a steam flowpath that is configured such that steam flows back and forth between the first layer and the second layer before exiting the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Conair LLC
    Inventor: Kin Man Lai
  • Patent number: 11390985
    Abstract: A steam iron includes an ironing unit and a water inlet unit. The ironing unit includes an ironing plate and a heating member disposed for heating the ironing plate. The ironing plate has a first heating space, a second heating space isolated from the first heating space, a first steam hole in fluid communication with the first heating space, and a plurality of second steam holes in fluid communication with the second heating space. The steam iron is operable to convert between a power mode, where water is only introduced from the water inlet unit into the first heating space, and a regular mode, where water is introduced from the water inlet unit into the first and second heating spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: TSANN KUEN (ZHANGZHOU) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhenxing Zheng, Zhixin Su
  • Patent number: 11306429
    Abstract: A garment steaming device includes a housing having a reservoir for containing liquid therein, a head portion connected to the housing, and a steam generator contained within the head portion, the steam generator being in fluid communication with the reservoir for generating steam from the liquid contained in the reservoir. The steam generator includes a first layer and a second layer and at least one heating element sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer and the second layer define a steam flowpath that is configured such that steam flows back and forth between the first layer and the second layer before exiting the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: CONAIR LLC
    Inventor: Kin Man Lai
  • Patent number: 11255043
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ironing system comprising a steam generating device comprising a steam chamber provided with a coating (11) comprising a coating base material (15) with metal particles (25) at least partly embedded in the coating base material (15), wherein the coating base material (15) comprises a mixed metal silicate compound, wherein the mixed metal silicate compound comprises an alkali metal element and a first metal element, wherein the metal particles (25) comprise a second metal element, and wherein the first metal element and the second metal element are the same chemical element of the periodic table of the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Ytsen Wielstra
  • Patent number: 11236463
    Abstract: A handheld appliance for emitting steam to treat a fabric has a housing, a water reservoir, a pump, and a steam generator operatively connected to the pump. The housing has an annular steam emitting head having a hole passing through the steam head. The steam head has an outlet with a shape surrounding the hole so that steam inside the steam head is emitted out of the steam head through the outlet around the hole. A handheld appliance for emitting steam to treat a fabric also has a housing having a water reservoir, a pump, a steam generator operatively connected to the pump, and an outlet. The steam generator forms a steam path that has a first layer that extends from an inlet into the steam generator on a first side of a heater to a second layer that is on a second side of the heater opposite to the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Conair LLC
    Inventor: Kin Man Lai
  • Patent number: 10844536
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sole plate of a steam iron comprising a cover and a heating subassembly, in which the surface of the cover intended for being in contact with a garment comprises a steaming area onto which the steam outlet holes open and a drying area separate from the steaming area, the steaming area being located, at least partially, in the front third of said surface, the drying area being devoid of steam outlet holes and comprising a portion projecting outwards at the center of said surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Bernard Louison
  • Patent number: 10781551
    Abstract: A steam iron is adapted for ironing a piece of cloth with steam generated thereby. The steam iron includes a machine body unit, a sole plate unit, a water supply unit, a heating unit, and a control unit. The sole plate unit is connected to a bottom end of the machine body unit. The water supply unit is connected to the machine body unit and includes a pump that is adapted for supplying water to the sole plate unit. The heating unit is connected to the sole plate unit and heats up the sole plate unit so that the water supplied to the sole plate unit is heated to form the steam. The control unit is connected to the machine body unit, measures moving speed of the steam iron and controls water output of the pump based on the moving speed of the steam iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ruifeng Cai, Xiaosen Sun, Jingui Wang
  • Patent number: 10598373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for generating steam. The device (1) comprises a plate (2) forming a surface, and a heating element (3) to heat the plate (2) to a predetermined temperature being at least above water evaporation temperature. The plate (2) is inclined at an angle compared to the horizontal direction to define an upper end and a lower end. The device (1) also comprises a water inlet arrangement (4) for dispensing water onto the plate (2) proximate the upper end, a control unit (11) to control the flow of water dispensed onto the plate (2), and a scale collection container (5) disposed adjacent to the plate (2). The control unit (11) is configured to control the flow of water dispensed onto the plate (2) and the temperature of the plate (2) so that substantially all the water dispensed onto the plate (2) evaporates before it reaches the lower end (15) of the plate (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Zhifeng Xu, Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan, Yen Leng Pang, Milind Vishwas Date
  • Patent number: 10385503
    Abstract: An iron includes a soleplate, a heating body including a lower face in thermal contact with the soleplate and an upper face at which a vaporization chamber is provided, and a system for injecting water into the chamber including two injection openings that simultaneously inject water onto two separate evaporation areas of a bottom wall of the chamber when the soleplate is arranged horizontally. The chamber is bordered laterally by a side wall extending from the bottom wall to a closing cover attached to the heating body, the side wall including a passage establishing communication between the chamber and a steam distribution circuit leading to a steam outlet opening provided in the soleplate. The passage is provided at one longitudinal end of the chamber. The chamber includes a separation wall extending from the two evaporation areas to the passage to provide a partition between the two evaporation areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: ROWENTA WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Andrea Lukas, Bjorn Scheve, Dierk Spatz
  • Patent number: 10330308
    Abstract: The present application relates to apparatus for generating steam. It comprises a water inlet, a evaporation surface, and a heater disposed adjacent to the evaporation surface to heat the evaporation surface to a predetermined temperature such that water fed onto the evaporation surface via the water inlet forms a film on the evaporation surface and is evaporated. The apparatus is configured so that water is fed to one or more regions of the evaporation surface, and the temperature of the water fed onto the evaporation surface is lower than the predetermined temperature, so that scale on the or each region of the evaporation surface to which water is fed cools at a different rate at which water on a remainder of the evaporation surface cools. This causes scale on the evaporation surface to break apart and be dislodged from the evaporation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Hee Keng Chua, Boon Khian Ching, Yong Jiang
  • Patent number: 10287725
    Abstract: The present application relates to a steam device comprising a steam chamber having a steam generating surface onto which liquid water is provided to be evaporated into steam, a fabric treating plate comprising a fabric treating face and at least one steam vent through which steam is expelled onto a fabric to be steamed, an outlet flow section located between the steam generating surface and the fabric treating face wherein the outlet flow section defines an indirect flow path between the steam chamber and the at least one steam vent and a heater for heating the outlet flow section such that liquid water which enters the outlet flow section from the steam chamber is evaporated into steam. The outlet flow section comprises at least one boundary surface with a plurality of recesses for reducing the flow rate of liquid water travelling through the outlet flow section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Boon Teck Tan, Hee Keng Chua, Chen-Shiang Lee, Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan
  • Patent number: 10190849
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an adjustment mechanism for a scope comprising: a first surface and a second surface, the first surface configured to engage the second surface axially when an amount of force is applied to the first surface, the first surface also configured to transfer torque applied to it to the second surface when the first surface and the second surface are engaged, and a member adjustable to apply force to the first surface to engage the first surface and the second surface, the member being adjustable using only one or more human fingers, wherein an adjustment of the member can always be initiated using only one or more human fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Tangent Theta Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew S. Webber
  • Patent number: 10081904
    Abstract: The present application relates to a hand-held steaming device (10). The hand-held steaming device comprises a steam generating surface (4A), a heater (5) to heat the steam generating surface, a water supply unit (6) to supply water to the steam generating surface and a sensor (12) configured to detect the inclination of the steam generating surface with respect to the horizontal. The hand-held steaming device further comprises a controller (11) configured to perform a user selectable descaling process wherein the heater is operated to heat the steam generating surface to a first temperature and the water supply unit is operated to supply water to the steam generating surface at a first flow rate to remove scale from the steam generating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan, Linfang Xu
  • Patent number: 9879375
    Abstract: A steam iron (10) comprises a steam generator (15) comprising a main body portion (15a) including an electrical heating element (16) to heat the steam generator (15), and an ironing plate (13) coupled to the steam generator (15) via a thermal coupling and configured to be passively heated by conduction of heat from the steam generator (15) via the thermal coupling. The thermal coupling between the steam generator (15) and the ironing plate (13) comprises an indirect thermal path formed by a flange (22) of the steam generator (15), the flange (22) being in contact with the ironing plate (13) and being spaced from the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15), the flange (22) also being configured to space the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15) from the ironing plate (13) to restrict the conduction of heat from the main body portion (15a) of the steam generator (15) to the ironing plate (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: William Wai Lik Wong, Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan, Luck Wee Png, Linfang Xu
  • Patent number: 9845568
    Abstract: A steamer apparatus, includes a housing defining a steam outlet, a fluid reservoir for storing fluid, a steam generator mounted in the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir for generating steam and releasing the steam through the steam outlet, a pump for pumping the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the steam generator, a trigger mounted to the housing and a trigger lock associated with the trigger. The trigger is adapted to move from an inoperative condition to an operative condition to activate one of the pump and the steam generator. The trigger lock is movable between a release position permitting free movement of the trigger between the inoperative condition and the operative condition and a lock position securing the trigger in the operative condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kam Fai Fung
  • Patent number: 9719675
    Abstract: The present application relates to apparatus for generating steam. It comprises a water inlet (19), a evaporation surface (24), and a heater (26) disposed adjacent to the evaporation surface (24) to heat the evaporation surface (24) to a predetermined temperature such that water fed onto the evaporation surface (24) via the water inlet (19) forms a film on the evaporation surface (24) and is evaporated. The apparatus is configured so that water is fed to one or more regions of the evaporation surface (24), and the temperature of the water fed onto the evaporation surface (24) is lower than the predetermined temperature, so that scale on the or each region of the evaporation surface (24) to which water is fed cools at a different rate at which water on a remainder of the evaporation surface (24) cools. This causes scale on the evaporation surface (24) to break apart and be dislodged from the evaporation surface (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Hee Keng Chua, Boon Khian Ching, Yong Jiang
  • Patent number: 9334605
    Abstract: A steam iron comprises a housing, a handle supported by or integral with the housing, a soleplate having a plurality of steam vents defined therein, a water reservoir supported by the housing for holding water to be converted to steam, and a water fill funnel supported by the housing and/or the handle for adding water to the reservoir. The water fill funnel has a top rim defining a top opening. The water fill funnel defines a bottom opening that is in fluid connection with the water reservoir. At least a portion of the water fill funnel is external to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Linda Whitney
  • Patent number: 9273426
    Abstract: Ironing system comprising a machine body provided with means for producing and supplying steam and an iron comprising a heated soleplate and connected to this machine body by means of a tube for the passage of steam and an electrical cable; this iron comprises a supplementary water tank suitable to supply water to this heated soleplate and at least one control button suitable to cooperate with a switch for operating means for producing and supplying steam from the machine body and with means for pumping water from this supplementary tank to this heated soleplate, in a first active position of this button, these means for producing and supplying the steam from the machine body are operated and, in a second active position of this button these pumping means are operated so as to obtain a further production of steam by means of the passage of this water from this supplementary tank to this heated soleplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: De' Longhi Appliances S.r.l. Divisione Commerciale ARIETE
    Inventors: Carlo Rosa, Michele Picchi
  • Publication number: 20150135562
    Abstract: Ironing system comprising a machine body (2) provided with means (10, 6) for producing and supplying steam and an iron (1) comprising a heated soleplate (3) and connected to this machine body (2) by means of a tube (13) for the passage of steam and an electrical cable (14); this iron (1) comprises a supplementary water tank (9) suitable to supply water to this heated soleplate (3) and at least one control button (7) suitable to cooperate with a switch (28) for operating means (10, 6) for producing and supplying steam from the machine body (2) and with means (27) for pumping water from this supplementary tank (9) to this heated soleplate (3), in a first active position of this button (7), these means (10, 6) for producing and supplying the steam from the machine body (2) are operated and, in a second active position of this button (7) these pumping means (27) are operated so as to obtain a further production of steam by means of the passage of this water from this supplementary tank (9) to this heated soleplat
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Carlo Rosa, Michele Picchi
  • Patent number: 8955239
    Abstract: The small clothes iron for use with children's clothes is a small iron when compared to a traditional clothes iron. The small clothes iron resembles a toy train wherein a front surface resembles a face of a toy character while a top surface includes a handle, control buttons, and a chimney/smokestack for refilling a water reservoir. The small clothes iron has a smaller iron surface on a bottom surface, which is useful in ironing small clothes for children and infants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: James T. Wiley
  • Patent number: 8893410
    Abstract: Appliances, methods and systems in which steam can be applied to a fabric and a heated surface can be used to press and/or dry the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Ognjen Vrdoljak, James Russell Varney, Mark Rosenzweig, Peggy Lam
  • Publication number: 20140298693
    Abstract: The present application relates to a steam generator iron. The steam generator iron has a steam passageway along which steam flows, the steam passageway having a first section (13) and a second section (16) extending from the first section (13). A flow stabilising element (24, 35, 38) is disposed at the transition of the steam passageway from the first section (13) to the second section (16). Therefore, the generation of noise at the transition and the flow resistance in the steam passageway is minimised as steam flows along the steam passageway. The present application also relates to an insert for a steam generator iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Johannes Willem Tack
  • Patent number: 8763283
    Abstract: A handheld telescopic ironing device for pressing clothing, fabric and the like comprising two handles joined at the distal end with a pivotal hinge, each handle comprised of an elongated hollow outer handle housing and at least one elongated hollow inner handle housing concentrically aligned and telescopically mounted within outer handle housing with a locking means to hold the with inner handle housing and outer handle housing at extended or contracted lengths. Attached to the two handles are heads each having a pressing surface mounted on a hollow head housing so that the two pressing surfaces oppose each other. The telescopic ironing device is further comprised of at least one heating element disposed within one or more of internal cavities of the head housing and has an optional steam feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Patti Bearley
  • Patent number: 8726544
    Abstract: A boiler having a shell enclosing a space and an inlet for letting water into the shell space. The shell space has two separate sections, wherein a first section is located such as to receive a supply of fresh water to the boiler and wherein a second section is located such as to receive water from the first section when overflow of the first section takes place under the influence of a continuous supply of fresh water. A steam generating process takes place in the second section. Due to the fact that the second section is only indirectly filled with water, it is possible to have an undisturbed process. In particular, the water may be heated in the first section before reaching the second section. The first section may for example include an inner space of a container which is arranged inside the shell, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan, Hock Soon Tiew, Boon Khian Ching, Tamilselvan Thirumazhisai Sankaralingam, Yen Leng Pang, Mo Tan Ng, Ajit Pal Singh, Asok Kumar Kasevan
  • Publication number: 20140013636
    Abstract: Steam irons are known which provide steam to a fabric of a garment to be pressed through holes in a sole plate. The present invention relates to a steam iron comprising a main body (2), a steam generating unit (6) and a sole portion (4). The sole portion (4) comprises a steam cavity (20) and an outer rim (19) extending around the steam cavity (20), the outer rim (19) having a fabric contact surface (22) and the steam cavity (20) having a permeable element (42) disposed therein. Therefore, steam supplied into the steam cavity (20) from the steam generating unit (6) is supplied to a fabric to be pressed when the fabric contact surface (22) is located against said fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Laudahn, Boon Khian Ching, Yong Jiang, Hee Keng Chua
  • Patent number: 8615909
    Abstract: A steam discharge unit (1) comprises a chamber (10) for accommodating a flow of a water-steam mixture and heating the water-steam mixture, an inlet (11) to the chamber (10), and an outlet (12) from the chamber (10). In order to avoid water droplets from exiting the chamber (10) through the outlet (12) along with a flow of steam, special measures are taken, which comprise a barrier (20) arranged inside the chamber (10), in a flow path of a water-steam mixture from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12), and a hydrophobic surface (30) arranged preferably close to the outlet (12). In case water droplets remain inside the chamber (10) and tend to move towards the outlet (12), an actual release of the water droplets from the chamber (10) cannot take place by virtue of the presence of the barrier (20) and the hydrophobic surface (30) as mentioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Yen Leng Pang, Ajit Pal Singh, Boon Tek Tn, Roel Alexander Rethmeier, Asok Kumar Kasevan
  • Patent number: 8613151
    Abstract: A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventor: Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Patent number: 8607483
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a domestic appliance and specifically an ironing appliance having an external water reservoir connected to the appliance through a feeding tube. Water conveyed to the ironing unit is directly subjected to an independently heated inner plate where steam is directly produced and conveyed to the soleplate whose temperature being independently adjusted. The independently heated inner plate comprises a pair of covers set one above the other. The first cover receives water through its openings and channels and the second cover lying just below the first one to define an inner space allows conveyance of the water to the steam producing plate. The steam then reaches the soleplate to be applied to the cloth item being ironed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Besim Tahincioglu
  • Patent number: 8572871
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ironing iron including a sole plate (1), wherein at least one V-shaped recess (6) is placed, said recess (6) being particularly defined by a removable insert (2) forming a contour relative to the plane of the sole plate (1) and comprising at least one steam outlet (3), the recess further communicating with at least one steam inlet (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Laurastar S.A.
    Inventor: Serge Voitchovsky
  • Patent number: 8561328
    Abstract: A steam generating device includes a steam chamber provided with a hydrophilic coating. The hydrophilic coating includes an acid phosphate compound and boron, such as a salt of boron with a metallic element. T he coating promotes steaming and is resistant to flaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Ytsen Wielstra
  • Patent number: 8555533
    Abstract: A steam brush of the present invention, it relates to a household appliance equipped with an electric heater. The steam brush of the present invention, the inside of its housing is disposed with a water tank, a water pump and an electric heating plate, a switch disposed on said housing is respectively connected to the external power line and the electric heating plate; wherein said housing is cylinder-shaped, a steam outlet surface is disposed on the top surface of said housing; a base seat detachably supports said housing. The steam outlet surface of the steam brush can be far away from the desktop, so it is relatively safe. Said steam brush can expand its functions, which can be applied as indoor humidifier, electric iron or cosmetic tool for facial steaming, it is multi-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Chien Lin, Chih-hwa Lee, Chien-Chih Pan
  • Patent number: 8479419
    Abstract: A steaming device includes a boiler configured for heating water to steam. A control device is provided for controlling a water flow to the boiler, and the boiler is provided with a rinsing drain for letting out rinsing water. A stopper is configured for covering the rinsing drain and for activating the control device. The stopper has a first position for starting a rinsing process, in which first position the rinsing drain is opened by the stopper and the stopper is configured to activate the control device. The stopper has a second position for ending the rinsing process, in which second position the rinsing drain is closed by the stopper and the stopper is configured to de-activate the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Jasmeet Singh Chadha
  • Patent number: 8464445
    Abstract: A steam ironing device includes a water supply device, a steam generator for generating steam, a heating element for heating the steam generator, at least one atomizating device, a valve provided in a flow path between the steam generator and the atomizing device, and an electric pump for delivering water from said water supply device to said steam generator. To obtain wet steam at the atomizing device, the ironing device includes a control device for controlling the power of the heating element of the steam generator, for controlling the flow rate of the pump, and for controlling the opening and closing of the valve, the valve being open if the ratio between the flow rate (g/min) of the pump and the power (W) of the heating element is in a range of 1:20 to 1:38.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Yong Jiang, Bas Jeroen Oosterman, Boon Khian Ching, Kai Heng Kwok, Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8453360
    Abstract: A steam generating device includes a steam chamber provided with a hydrophilic coating. The hydrophilic coating includes an alkali metal silicate compound and boron, preferably a salt of boron with a metallic element. The coating promotes steaming and is resistant to flaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Ytsen Wielstra
  • Patent number: 8424227
    Abstract: A convertible appliance and related method for treating a garment. The appliance includes a housing, a water tank disposed in the housing, a soleplate removably attached to the housing, a first steam chamber configured to generate and emit steam from the soleplate in a first configuration when the soleplate is attached to the housing, a second steam chamber configured to generate and emit steam from the housing in a second configuration when the soleplate is removed from the housing, a valve arrangement configured to fluidly connect the water tank to the first steam chamber when in the first configuration, and alternately, fluidly connect the water tank to the second chamber when in the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Harrington
  • Patent number: 8375609
    Abstract: A portable, handheld iron (10) is provided having a pair of opposing soleplates (25, 35) with a lip (26, 36) for reaching hard to reach areas on a garment. The soleplates (25, 35) are disposed on respective upper and lower portions (20, 30) pivotally connected by a hinge (40). The upper and lower portions (20, 30) are moveable between open and closed positions. The longitudinal axes B of the upper and lower portions (20, 30) are offset from the plane of the soleplates (25, 35) by an offset angle ? when in the closed position. The offset angle ? provides the iron (10) with an ergonomic advantage in reaching hard to reach areas. In an embodiment, at least one of the soleplates (25, 35) is provided with a plurality of vents (27) for delivering wrinkle releasing steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Harrington
  • Patent number: 8365446
    Abstract: A garment care system includes a steam generator having a steam outlet, and a handset having a steam inlet arranged for coupling to the steam outlet, an opening for releasing steam and a steam control unit for controlling a valve for controlling the release of steam. The steam control unit includes a selector unit having at least two selection options, and a steam release switch connected to the selector unit and arranged for starting or stopping the release of steam in dependence on the selected option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Mo Tan Ng, Chaithra Belle, Hock Soon Tiew, Tang Har Pong
  • Publication number: 20120324768
    Abstract: A steam iron (500) comprises a housing (520) that includes a water tank (580), a steam chamber (600) and a pressure equalization conduit (760). The housing (520) includes an airing means (660). The steam iron is further provided with a mechanism for allowing air selectively into the water tank (580). The mechanism comprises a steam trigger (680) that is arranged to close or open the pressure equalization conduit (760) and the airing means (660) inversely. The mechanism may also comprise a spring loaded plunger or an electronic hand sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Chandra Mohan Janakiraman, Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan, Stein Kuiper
  • Patent number: 8302334
    Abstract: Steam wrinkle-removing appliance comprising a steam-producing boiling chamber (60) incorporated into a water tank (110), said boiling chamber (60) being in direct communication with the water tank (110) while being supplied with water by gravity via at least one supply line (70) extending from the tank (110), said boiling chamber (60) comprising a heating unit (4) and a steam outlet (62) through which the steam can freely flow toward a wrinkle-removing element (3) such as a steam brush, the tank (110) comprising a filling inlet (121A) in the upper part of the tank (110), characterized in that said steam outlet (62) is in direct communication with a hose (2) connected to the steaming element (3) so that the steam produced by the boiling chamber (60) is not diffused into the tank (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Rowenta Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Krebs, Reinhard Ahlers, Stefan Panten
  • Publication number: 20120216841
    Abstract: A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Maximilian Rosenzweig, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Publication number: 20120131824
    Abstract: An electric steam iron is disclosed as including a body, a soleplate with steam outlets, a steam chamber between the soleplate and the body, the steam chamber being in a fluid-communicable relationship with the steam outlet, a water tank within the body and in a fluid-communicable relationship with the steam chamber, a valve downstream of the water tank and upstream of the steam chamber. The valve has a valve orifice, and a controlling mechanism for controlling opening and closing of the valve orifice, the controlling mechanism including a valve closure member and a pin with an actuating head. The valve closure member is a magnet and the actuating head is made of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic metal or metal alloy, the valve closure member being movable relative to the actuating head and the valve orifice between a valve closing position and a valve opening position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: ASCENTWAY INDUSTRIAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Fan Kwong TSANG
  • Publication number: 20120131823
    Abstract: A steam ironing system is disclosed as including an electric iron, and a water container with a water outlet tube, in which the iron includes a water tank for storing water, a steam chamber in a fluid-communicable relationship with the water tank, a water inlet tube in a fluid-communicable relationship with the water tank, and a pump. The iron is detachably engageable with the water container, and when the iron is engaged with the water container, the water outlet tube of the water container is connected with the water inlet tube of the iron in a fluid-communicable relationship, and the pump is operable to draw water in the water container through the water outlet tube and the water inlet tube to the water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: ASCENTWAY INDUSTRIAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Fan Kwong Tsang
  • Patent number: 8166680
    Abstract: A steam iron is disclosed. The steam iron at least includes a base, a handle and a mechanical pump, in which the base has a steam generator and a water tank. The handle is connected with the base. The handle has a storage space and a shell surrounding the storage space. The mechanical pump is set in the storage space of the handle. The mechanical pump is connected with the steam generator and the water tank, and the bailing member of the mechanical pump is adjacent to the handle. The invention provides the mechanical pump having the bailing member that has short length and mounted in the handle. Because the bailing member may be hidden in the handle, user can easily press the bailing member without driving up finger to press the bailing member. So, the problem is solved that common steam iron is discommodiously used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen(China) Enterprise Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chihhwa Lee
  • Patent number: 8156667
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a steam iron, which comprises a base, a main body and a control board. The base comprises a water tank, a steam generator and a pump that is connected between the water tank and the steam generator. The main body comprises a controlling switch and an adjusting device for users controlling the steam iron. The control board is used to control the power of the pump to adjust the quantity of water that is pumped into the steam generator from the water tank and the quantity of steam generated by the steam generator. The control board is divided into at least two parts: a first part is connected to the controlling switch and the adjusting device and a second part is connected to the pump, and there is a signal line between the two parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (China) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Quanxi Liu
  • Patent number: 8151496
    Abstract: This invention discloses a multifunctional electric iron, comprising: a steam brush and a base unit. Said steam brush can be used as a garment steamer by connecting to a power supply or a boiler, and said steam brush also can be used as an ordinary steam iron by assembling with the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-hwa Lee, Chien-Chih Pan
  • Patent number: 8075300
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for vapor smoothing a rapid manufactured three-dimensional object. A cabinet housing has a sealable interior. A heated vapor chamber in the interior of the cabinet housing contains solvent that is vaporizable to fill the vapor chamber with vapor for smoothing the object when the object is placed in the vapor chamber. A drying chamber is also provided in the interior of the cabinet housing that is separate from the vapor chamber for drying the object when the object is moved from the vapor chamber to the drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Zinniel
  • Publication number: 20110296723
    Abstract: Provided is an ironing appliance, including a pump that has a pumping chamber provided with an inlet and an outlet, the pumping chamber including a movable wall having an outer surface contacting a piezoelectric actuator provided to move the movable wall while changing the volume of the pumping chamber by the piezoelectric actuator, wherein the pump is placed in the ironing appliance such that the outlet of the pumping chamber is located at a higher level than the inlet in a normal position for operating the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: ROWENTA WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Andrea Lukas, Björn Scheve, Matthias Hahn, Franck Mandica, Dominique Gelus
  • Patent number: 8037627
    Abstract: An iron comprising a water tank, a blast unit, a steam generating unit and a steam spraying unit. The blast unit has a first inlet and a first outlet, the first inlet is connected to the inlet-pipe of the inlet of the water tank, wherein the blast unit generates steam rapidly in a limited space. The steam generating unit has a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet being connected to the inlet-pipe of the inlet of the water tank, wherein the steam generating unit heats the water to generate steam. The steam spraying unit connects the first and second outlet, has plural steam apertures, and sprays steam. Because a blast unit is arranged for the rapid steam generation in a limited space, the iron of the present invention obviates the disadvantages in the existing irons and improves steam blast strength, intensity at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (China) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chienchih Pan, Yan Jiang