Patents Represented by Attorney Dale J. Ream

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  • Water vapor cleaning system
    Patent number: 7743777
    Abstract: A water vapor cleaning system includes a vapor-producing chamber in communication with a water source, e.g. a hot water line, of an existing plumbing system. The vapor-producing device includes a vapor exit. The cleaning system includes a nozzle having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve selectively allowing or denying fluid communication between the inlet and outlet. The nozzle includes an actuator for selection between allowing or denying fluid communication. The nozzle is connected to the vapor-producing chamber with tubing. The nozzle also includes a vacuum device for suctioning items or blowing air through the tubing. A selector switch on the nozzle facilitates selection between steaming, vacuuming, blowing, soaping, and rinsing modes. A set of nozzle accessories are included for cleaning various types of surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventors: Vicki L. Gilman, Brett D. Gilman
  • Door sealing system
    Patent number: 7743560
    Abstract: A door sealing system includes a frame and a pneumatic liner positioned along an inner perimeter of the frame. The liner includes a hollow interior for adjusting it between extended and retracted configurations. A pump is included for selectively inflating the liner and a valve which can be deactivated to deflate the liner. When inflated, the liner fills the gap between the door and the frame and when deflated, allows the door to be opened easily. A sensor is positioned with a cavity in the frame for detecting placement of a latch indicative of the door being opened or closed. A processor then appropriately actuates the pump or deactivates the valve. Accordingly, the seal is inflated when the door is closed and is deflated when the door is being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Neil K. Box
  • Spit cup
    Patent number: 7739755
    Abstract: A spit cup includes a cap housing defining an interior area. The spit cup further includes a plurality of disposable liners, at least one disposable liner being removably positioned in the interior area to receive a user's spit. A lid is selectively coupled to the cup housing. The lid includes a stationary portion and a flap that is pivotally coupled to the stationary portion and movable between an open position providing access to the interior area and a closed position preventing access thereto. The lid includes a spring for biasing the flap toward the open position. The lid further includes a catch operatively coupled to the stationary portion and being movable between a first configuration in which the catch interacts with the flap and maintains the flap at the closed position and a second configuration in which the catch allows the flap to move to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: John S. Taras
  • Hubcap having lighted spinning element
    Patent number: 7726746
    Abstract: A hubcap device for use with a wheel includes a base and a fastener for coupling the base to the wheel. The hubcap device includes a spinner member between the base and the cover, the spinner member having a light element. The hubcap device includes a battery for powering the light element and a processor for actuating the light element. An insert is removably coupled to the cover, the spinner member being positioned between the insert and the base. The hubcap device may include a photocell in communication with the processor, the processor including programming to actuate the light element in predetermined light conditions. The device includes an optical sensor coupled to the spinner member to measure a rotational speed of the spinner member relative to a rotational speed of the base, the optical sensor providing a relative rotational speed measurement to said processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Martin C. Berens
  • Dream detection system
    Patent number: 7727139
    Abstract: A dream detection system includes a mask and a control unit. The mask includes opaque eye portions and at least one sensor for detecting REM sleep. The mask may include an alarm for indicating REM sleep, a speaker, and a transmitter. The control unit includes a receiver and transmitter for receiving data from and transmitting data to the mask, respectively. The control unit includes programming for actuating an audio player to provide a predetermined cue, script, or other audible message to the mask when REM sleep is detected for alerting a sleeping person that he is dreaming and enabling the person to gain some level of control over the dream sequence. The audible message may be a morning or evening affirmation, preparation for a task, or other cues to guide a dream. The control unit may include a device with which a user may audibly record dream details.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel Topp, Kimberly Viera
  • Clothing jewelry
    Patent number: 7721571
    Abstract: The clothing jewelry is formed from a plurality of short chains removably attached to an article of clothing to form a plurality of vertically extending retainer loops, and an elongated decorative member supported by the retainer loops and encircling a portion of the clothing, e.g., a pant leg, a jacket or blouse adjacent the cuff, a skirt adjacent the hemline, and similar clothing articles. The elongated member may be a jewelry chain formed into a continuous or endless loop, a ribbon formed into an endless loop, or other decorative loops. The short chains have fasteners, e.g., a pin and back fastener, at both ends for removable attachment to the article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Gary E. Rose, Anna M. Rose
  • Rodent killing device
    Patent number: 7721484
    Abstract: A rodent killing trap includes a case having front and rear sides. A plurality of electrodes are operatively coupled to the case and exposed adjacent the case front and rear sides so as to electrocute a rodent upon contact. The rodent killing trap may be connected to an electrical power source and includes a switch for selectively actuating the plurality of electrodes by electrical connection to the power source. The device may only be activated or deactivated using a tool or implement so as to be safe from use by children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: David Oliver
  • Sink with removable divider
    Patent number: 7721362
    Abstract: A sink according to the present invention includes a sink basin having a bottom surface and a top surface with at least one side wall extending therebetween. The sink includes a divider that may be inserted into or removed from an interior area of the sink for selectively dividing the basin into multiple smaller compartments. An electromagnet is positioned beneath the bottom surface of the sink and is attracted to a ferrous material on the bottom of the divider for holding the divider securely when actuated. Channels defined by the sink side wall and other sealing components establish a watertight seal between compartments when the electromagnet is actuated. The electromagnet may be connected to the residential power source and may be activated by a user or, automatically, by a sensor. When the divider is removed, the larger single basin may be used for washing larger items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Martin, Jill Martin
  • Force absorbing automobile axle having fluid chambers
    Patent number: 7708352
    Abstract: A vehicle axle includes an axle housing defining a cavity. The axle includes a pair of outer drive shafts, each being coaxially received in a respective housing cavity and slidable therein, each outer drive shaft defining a splined cavity. The axle includes a pair of inner drive shafts, each having a splined end coaxially coupled to a respective outer drive shaft splined cavity such that a respective outer drive shaft is slidably movable therein. A piston is attached to the inner end of each outer drive shaft and separates an inner fluid chamber from an outer fluid chamber. A fluid channel includes opposed ends in communication with respective fluid chambers. A force absorption container is in fluid communication with each fluid channel and includes a compression spring, wherein the spring is compressed when movement of the piston pushes fluid through the channel into the force absorption container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Brooks
  • Electrical cord management device
    Patent number: 7699643
    Abstract: An electrical cord management device includes an elongate housing having open first and second ends, an open side, and an open interior area extending between the open ends and open side. A first friction fit clip is positioned in the open interior area and coupled to the housing for attachment to a first electrical cord. A second friction fit clip is positioned in the open interior area and coupled to the housing for attachment to a second electrical cord. The first and second clips are sufficiently spaced apart to allow an end of the first electrical cord to be coupled to an end of the second electrical cord while the first electrical cord is coupled to the first friction fit clip and the second electrical cord is coupled to the second friction fit clip. A lanyard is positioned adjacent the housing first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Vincent J. Rodriquez
  • Hose manipulator
    Patent number: 7699368
    Abstract: A hose manipulator according to the present invention includes an elongate shaft having upper and lower ends and extending between about 3 feet and about 5 feet in length. The hose manipulator also includes a handle at the shaft upper end, the handle having a portion extending generally perpendicular to the shaft. A hook is positioned at the shaft lower end and extends between about 150 degrees and about 180 degrees and includes a diameter between about 3 inches and about 6 inches. The hook and the perpendicular handle portion are generally coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: John S. Nicol
  • Infant bed safety sheet
    Patent number: D613986
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory Quick
  • Golf swing alignment device
    Patent number: D614253
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: David B. Hadley
  • Harrow member chain
    Patent number: D615107
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventors: Shane P. Kelly, Peter L. L. Kelly
  • Harrow member chain
    Patent number: D615108
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventors: Shane P. Kelly, Peter L. L. Kelly
  • Agricultural implement
    Patent number: D615562
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Shane P. Kelly, Peter L. L. Kelly
  • Sleeveless flag football jersey
    Patent number: D616180
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jack R. Baun, II, Detlev F. Smith
  • Portable and collapsible table
    Patent number: D618012
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventors: Dale Erne, Lisa Erne
  • Thumb-mounted stylus
    Patent number: D618243
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Randall E. Chamblin
  • Animal grooming apparatus
    Patent number: D621102
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventors: Michael K. German, Danelle S. German