Patents by Inventor Charles T. Michael

Charles T. Michael has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7458600
    Abstract: A carrier mounted on a cart for transporting a bag or a sack containing loose or granular materials. The carrier is comprised of a pair of jaws having gripping surfaces for retaining an upper portion of a bag or sack and a handle for carrying the bag or sack in a slightly elevated position or by dragging on a surface. In a first aspect of the invention, the gripping surfaces are formed by shearing and bending a plurality of triangular tabs in metal strips which are attached to the jaws. In a second aspect of the invention, the carrier is attached to a 2-wheel cart in a manner which allows the carrier to be used in combination with the cart or detached and used independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 7237279
    Abstract: A method for dispensing a household liquid, such as soap, shampoo, dish washing detergent and bath oil through an outlet of a household water system. The liquid dispensing system comprises a household water system having an outlet, a storage unit for storing at least one liquid operatively connected to the household water system, and a control for connecting and disconnecting the storage unit to the household water system. In a first aspect of the invention the liquid is introduced into the household water system by a venturi. In a second aspect of the invention, the storage unit is positioned above an outlet of the household water system and is introduced by gravity. The control is normally biased to an “off” position. This invention can be utilized for showers, bathtubs, laundry tubs and sinks. The method is comprised of the steps of dispensing the liquid through the household water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 7155758
    Abstract: A bathtub liquid dispensing system for dispensing a mixture of water and a household liquid, such as soap, shampoo and bath oil through an outlet such as a faucet of a bathtub. The bathtub liquid dispensing system comprises a bathtub having an outlet, a storage unit for storing at least one household liquid operatively connected to a bathtub water supply, and a control for connecting and disconnecting the storage unit from the bathtub water supply. In a first aspect of the invention the liquid is introduced into the bathtub water system by a venturi. In a second aspect of the invention, the storage unit is positioned above the bathtub and is introduced by gravity. The control is normally biased to an “off” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 7073215
    Abstract: A household liquid dispensing system for dispensing a household liquid, such as soap, shampoo, dish washing detergent and bath oil through an outlet of a household water system. The liquid dispensing system comprises a household water system having an outlet, a storage unit for storing at least one liquid operatively connected to the household water system, and a control for connecting and disconnecting the storage unit to the household water system. In a first aspect of the invention the liquid is introduced into the household water system by a venturi. In a second aspect of the invention, the storage unit is positioned above an outlet of the household water system and is introduced by gravity. The control is normally biased to an “off” position. This invention can be utilized for showers, bathtubs, laundry tubs and sinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 7011652
    Abstract: An eye wash station for administering an eye wash fluid to an eye which has been exposed to a noxious gas, or solid or liquid which can irritate or injure said eye. In a first aspect of the invention, a flexible bag, filled with an eye wash fluid is suspended from a hook or a stand. The flexible bag is operatively connected with a flexible tube to an applicator which is fed by gravity from the bag. The applicator includes a retractor for opening and holding open the eyelids of the eye which is being treated and a valve for controlling the amount of eye wash fluid which is applied to the eye. In second and third aspects of the invention, the applicator is connected with a pressurized water supply. One benefit if the invention is that it is disposable. Another benefit of the first and second aspects is that they are portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Berke-Tec, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael, Alex Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6976279
    Abstract: A portable stand alone treatment station for eyes which have been exposed to corrosive liquids, noxious gases and foreign objects. An eye washing fluid reservoir and one or more applicators are mounted on a two-wheel cart. The eye washing fluid in the reservoir is stored under pressure to discharge the eye washing fluid from the applicator when a resiliently biased valve is opened. The tank is pressurized by a hand pump mounted in the tank or through a valve in a wall of the tank. The portability of the station allows it to be relocated on an as needed basis or to be transported to an injured person and carried in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Berke-Tec, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael, Alex Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6871654
    Abstract: A sonic fruit and vegetable washer for removing inorganic impurities and pathogens from a variety of raw fruit and vegetables. The sonic fruit and vegetable washer is comprised of a housing, a removable basket, a liquid dispenser, a filter, a sonic generator, a spray head, hydraulic values, electrical controls, a blower, and a heating element. The washer is connected to an existing faucet, and drains into a conventional kitchen sink. During a typical operation, the controls are adjusted for a particular fruit or vegetable, a fruit or vegetable is loaded into the basket, and a small amount of a preservative, cleaning agent, sweetener or vitamin or mineral is added and electrical power is applied. Water enters the washer, is filtered, and one or more wash and rinse cycles are completed. The sonic generator is active during the wash and rinse cycles to remove and flush contaminants from the washer. Thereafter, a drying cycle is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Berke-Tec, Inc.,
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6647992
    Abstract: An aerosol apparatus for applying health or beauty products to selected portions of a person's body. The apparatus is suitable for general use but provides major benefits to physically disadvantaged persons, such as elderly, arthritic, amputee, paralytic and bedridden persons who are unable to care for their hygienic, health and grooming needs. The apparatus is suitable for use in residences, hospitals, nursing homes, at the beach and while traveling. The apparatus is comprised of a replaceable aerosol cartridge, a slender elongated tubular member having an inlet portion operatively connected to the cartridge, and an applicator attached to an outlet portion of the tubular member. The applicator can be rotatable about three mutually perpendicular axes for applying health and beauty products to difficult to reach body areas. The elongated tube may be extensible to provide further utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6533210
    Abstract: A fishing line winding apparatus for removing and installing fishing lines on a variety of fishing reels. In a first aspect of the invention, an electric motor drives a belt apparatus to transfer a fishing line between a fishing reel and a storage spool. The motor is positioned in a linear arrangement between the fishing reel and the storage spool. Fishing lines are installed and removed by reversing the direction of rotation of the motor. The belt apparatus includes resiliently mounted pair of idler pulleys which remove belt slack and increase belt wrap. An electronic control system is used to reverse and vary the speed of the motor. In a second aspect of the invention, the belt apparatus is driven by a manual crank. Both aspects of the invention are portable and enclosed in a case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6484336
    Abstract: An ergonomic pillow for individuals who sleep on their sides. A characterizing feature of the invention is a recess along a lower front portion of the pillow which provides a protective space for a side, sleeper's arms. The pillow is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion which is set back from the upper portion to form the recess. Between the upper and lower portions is a flat planar member which distributes the loads of the side sleeper over the area of the lower pillow portion. In a first aspect of the invention, the protective recess extends across the front portion of the pillow. In further aspects, protective recesses are provided for the shoulders and arms of the side sleeper. A rear portion of the pillow is lowered for sleeping without a recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6439241
    Abstract: A method for applying health or beauty products to selected difficult and hard to reach portions of a person's body. The method is suitable for general use but provides on major benefits to physically disadvantaged persons, such as elderly, arthritic, amputee, paralytic and bedridden persons who are unable to care for their hygienic, health and grooming needs. The method is suitable for use in residences, hospitals, nursing homes, at the beach and while traveling. A suitable apparatus for use with the method is generally comprised of a replaceable aerosol cartridge, a slender elongated tubular member having an inlet portion operatively connected to the cartridge, and an applicator attached to an outlet portion of the tubular member. The applicator can be rotatable about three mutually perpendicular axes for applying health and beauty products to difficult to reach body areas. The elongated tube may be extensible to provide further utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6427273
    Abstract: A head rest and alarm for dozing in a sitting position at a table or desktop. In a first aspect of the invention, the head rest and alarm are comprised of a base, a standard extending upwardly from the base and a head support attached to an upper portion of the base and an audible alarm. In the operable position, the head rest is placed on the surface of a table and a user in a sitting position rests his head in a downward facing or side facing position on the head support. The audible alarm has a timer which is selectively adjustable to set a wake-up time of the alarm. In an alternate embodiment, the head rest and alarm further comprises the options of a tape or disk player, a clock radio and earphone jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6421847
    Abstract: A household liquid dispensing system for dispensing a household liquid, such as soap, shampoo, dish washing detergent and bath oil through an outlet of a household water system. The liquid dispensing system comprises a household water system having an outlet, a storage unit for storing at least one liquid operatively connected to the household water system, and a control for connecting and disconnecting the storage unit to the household water system. In a first aspect of the invention the liquid is introduced into the household water system by a venturi. In a second aspect of the invention, the storage unit is positioned above an outlet of the household water system and is introduced by gravity. The control is normally biased to an “off” position. This invention can be utilized for showers, bathtubs, laundry tubs and sinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6412997
    Abstract: A liquid applicator apparatus for physically disadvantaged persons, but beneficial to all persons in showers, bathtubs and at the beach. The apparatus allows elderly and handicapped persons to apply health and beauty products to difficult and heretofore inaccessible body areas. It has a flexible reservoir for storing and dispersing liquid health or beauty products through an applicator. The applicator is attached to an end portion of a slender elongated tubular member with a single or plurality of ball and socket joints. In a first aspect of the invention, when the reservoir is squeezed, a portion of a stored liquid is dispersed through an open cell pad. In a second aspect, when the reservoir is squeezed, a portion of a stored liquid is dispersed through a plurality of small apertures. The elongated tubular member and ball and socket joints allow a user to apply the health and beauty products to difficult and heretofore inaccessible body areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6347971
    Abstract: A device and method for training a young child how to swim. The child is restrained in an open rectangular shaped cradle which is pivotally mounted for rotation in a floatable body. Pointed screws engage spindles to lock the cradle to the floatable body with the child in an upright position. The inclination of the child is adjusted in increments from an upright position toward a horizontal position to permit the child to practice the arm and leg movements of a swimmer. The floatable body is comprised of a cellular plastic body and a reinforcement attached to an upper surface of the body. In an alternate embodiment, the floatable body is comprised of a thin planar center member and front and rear floatable members. Outriggers and keels increase the overturning resistance of the device. Extensible hand cranks increase the effectiveness of the training device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Publication number: 20010053305
    Abstract: A pump and liquid applicator apparatus for physically disadvantaged persons, but beneficial to all persons in showers, bathtubs and at the beach. The apparatus allows elderly and handicapped persons to apply health and beauty products to difficult and heretofore inaccessible body areas. It has a flexible reservoir for storing and dispersing liquid health or beauty products through an applicator. The applicator is attached to an end portion of a slender elongated tubular member with a single or plurality of ball and socket joints. In a first aspect of the invention, when the reservoir is squeezed, a portion of a stored liquid is dispersed through an open cell pad. In a second aspect, when the reservoir is squeezed, a portion of a stored liquid is dispersed through a plurality of small apertures. The elongated tubular member and ball and socket joints allow a user to apply the health and beauty products to difficult and heretofore inaccessible body areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: JOSEPH J. BERKE, CHARLES T. MICHAEL
  • Publication number: 20010047807
    Abstract: An aerosol apparatus for applying health or beauty products to selected portions of a person's body. The apparatus is suitable for general use but provides major benefits to physically disadvantaged persons, such as elderly, arthritic, amputee, paralytic and bedridden persons who are unable to care for their hygienic, health and grooming needs. The apparatus is suitable for use in residences, hospitals, nursing homes, at the beach and while traveling. The apparatus is comprised of a replaceable aerosol cartridge, a slender elongated tubular member having an inlet portion operatively connected to the cartridge, and an applicator attached to an outlet portion of the tubular member. The applicator can be rotatable about three mutually perpendicular axes for applying health and beauty products to difficult to reach body areas. The elongated tube may be extensible to provide further utility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: D462524
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: D463128
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: D465077
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael