Patents by Inventor Harold A. Luettgen
Harold A. Luettgen 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).
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Publication number: 20120277677Abstract: A powered irrigator for use in rinsing nasal cavities including a main body having a handle and fluid reservoir detachably coupled to one another, an outlet nozzle extending from a top end of the handle, a pump mechanism operably coupled to a power source, and a switch operably coupled to the power source for turning the pump mechanism on and off, and when the switch turns on the pump mechanism, fluid flows from the fluid reservoir into a first fluid coupling between the reservoir and the pump mechanism and into a second fluid coupling between the pump mechanism to the outlet nozzle. The reservoir includes a generally centrically body defining a cavity and at least two tabs connected to the cylindrical body and extending inwards therefrom. The at least two tabs operably connect the reservoir to the handle portion to releasably secure the reservoir to the handle portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Kurt M. Taylor, Gary L. Sokol, Kanneth A. Hair, Harold A. Luettgen
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Publication number: 20120277678Abstract: A powered irrigator for use in rinsing nasal cavities provides a main body having a handle and fluid reservoir detachably coupled to one another, an outlet nozzle extending from a top end of the handle, a pump mechanism operably coupled to a power source, and a switch operably coupled to the power source for turning the pump mechanism on and off, and when the switch turns on the pump mechanism, fluid flows from the fluid reservoir into a first fluid coupling between the reservoir and the pump mechanism and into a second fluid coupling between the pump mechanism to the outlet nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Kurt M. Taylor, Gary L. Sokol, Kenneth A. Hair, Harold A. Luettgen
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Publication number: 20120085839Abstract: A handheld showerhead includes a showerhead portion and a handle portion. The showerhead portion includes a plurality of nozzles. At least two fluid channels are defined in part by at least two walls that are adjacent and parallel to each other and a curved wall that extends between edges of the at least two walls. A base wall is operably associated with the at least two walls and defines two or more fluid channel inlets each in fluid communication with a respective one of the two more fluid channels. The handle portion is operatively associated with the showerhead portion, and includes at least one of a fluid inlet and a fluid passage, and including a rotatable mode selector.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Publication number: 20120086199Abstract: An improved shower arm having an elbow portion adapted to fluidly communicate with a shower head and an arm portion adapted to fluidly communicate with a water supply. The arm portion is pivotably coupled with the elbow portion about a long axis of the elbow portion, with the long axis of the elbow portion and a long axis of the arm portion forming an angle. Also, the shower arm includes a locking mechanism having one or more sets of splines to securely lock the relative position of the arm and elbow portions. The splines may be coupled and decoupled by a variety of mechanisms, including: hydraulic pressure generated by a restrictor plate; a spring forcing the sets of splines together; and a pair of magnets.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Damian Macan, Harold A. Luettgen
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Patent number: 8146838Abstract: A handheld showerhead has a showerhead portion including a plurality of spray nozzles and a handle portion including a fluid inlet that receives water flow from a water source and a fluid passage that transports the water flow from the fluid inlet to the showerhead portion in a first flow direction. A fluid conveyance structure positioned at least partially within the showerhead portion has a base with two or more inlet openings. A mode selector includes a control knob and a fluid chamber with a fluid inlet that receives the water flow from the handle portion in a second flow direction and a rotatable chamber wall that defines a chamber outlet in selective fluid communication with the fluid conveyance structure. Rotation of the control knob rotates the chamber wall to selectively align the chamber outlet with one of the inlet openings in the base of the fluid conveyance structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Publication number: 20120045730Abstract: An oral irrigator includes a base having a pump mechanism, a reservoir housed within the base and fluidically connected with the pump mechanism. A handle with a jet tip is connected with an outlet from the pump mechanism to receive a pressurized fluid stream from the reservoir to direct a fluid at a surface inside an oral cavity. The oral irrigator also includes a radiant energy source and delivery system for directing radiant energy at a surface inside an oral cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Clifford J. Sayder, Gordon Haszier, Harold A. Luettgen, Kenneth A. Hair, Daniel Bernard Cover
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Patent number: 8109450Abstract: A handheld showerhead has a showerhead portion and a handle portion. The showerhead portion may include at least two fluid channels. The handle portion may be operatively associated with the shower portion. The handle portion may include at least one fluid inlet or fluid passage. A rigid internal shaft is used to reinforce the connection between a fluid conveyance structure in the showerhead portion, the handle portion, or both, and a water supply connector at least partially in the handle portion The handle portion may further include a movable mode selector. Movement of the mode selector may selectively place the fluid inlet or fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the two fluid channels in the showerhead portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Patent number: 8024822Abstract: An improved shower arm. The shower arm includes an elbow portion adapted to fluidly communicate with a shower head and an arm portion adapted to fluidly communicate with a water supply. The arm portion is pivotably coupled with the elbow portion about a long axis of the elbow portion, with the long axis of the elbow portion and a long axis of the arm portion forming an angle. The arm portion and the elbow portion form a continuous channel configured to fluidly connect the water supply with a shower head. A mechanism allowing a user to selectively pivot and lock the position of the arm portion relative to the elbow portion is provided. The locking mechanism may include one or more sets of splines or similar features, such that engagement of the sets of splines securely locks the relative position of the arm and elbow portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Damian Macan, Harold A. Luettgen
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Patent number: 8020788Abstract: A showerhead providing an improved pause mode that restricts the amount of water emanating from the head. The showerhead includes a first and second outlet nozzle, a valve body operative to be in fluid communication with a shower pipe, the valve body having first and second flow channels in fluid communication with the shower pipe, each of which is also in fluid communication with one of the outlet nozzles. The first and second flow channels have different cross-sectional areas. In another embodiment, the valve body further includes a valve center in fluid communication between the first flow channel and the shower pipe, and is also in fluid communication between the second flow channel and the shower pipe. The valve body further defines a first hole in fluid communication with the first flow channel and the valve center, and a second hole in fluid communication with the second flow channel and the valve center, with the second hole having a smaller cross-sectional area than that of the first hole.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary D. Golichowski, Gary L. Sokol
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Publication number: 20110144588Abstract: A powered irrigator for use in rinsing nasal cavities has a main body including a handle and a fluid reservoir detachably coupled to one another, an outlet nozzle extending from a top end of the handle, a pump mechanism operably coupled to a power source, and a switch operably coupled to the power source for turning the pump mechanism on and off. When the switch turns on the pump mechanism, fluid flows from the fluid reservoir into a first fluid coupling between the reservoir and the pump mechanism and into a second fluid coupling between the pump mechanism to the outlet nozzle. The top of the handle can be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the main body. The nozzle is removable from the top end and has a self-sealing structure to provide an enhanced fit within a user's nostril.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Kurt M. Taylor, Gary L. Sokol, Kenneth A. Hair, Harold A. Luettgen
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Publication number: 20110121098Abstract: A dual turbine showerhead provides multiple spray modes emanating from the head. The showerhead includes an inlet orifice, a backplate, a first turbine located side-by-side with a second turbine, a faceplate forming a first orifice group and a second orifice group, a first fluid channel in fluid communication with the first and second turbines and the first orifice group, and a second fluid channel in fluid communication with the second orifice group. In another embodiment, the showerhead includes first and a second turbines located side-by-side and a valve body that channels a fluid to the first turbine and the second turbine. In another embodiment, the showerhead includes a first and a second turbine located side-by-side along a centerline of the showerhead, a corresponding outlet region is arranged along the centerline and additional outlet regions are laterally spaced therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary D. Golichowski, Gary L. Sokol
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Publication number: 20110000982Abstract: A handheld showerhead has a showerhead portion and a handle portion. The showerhead portion may include at least two fluid channels. The handle portion may be operatively associated with the shower portion. The handle portion may include at least one fluid inlet or fluid passage. A rigid internal shaft is used to reinforce the connection between a fluid conveyance structure in the showerhead portion, the handle portion, or both, and a water supply connector at least partially in the handle portion The handle portion may further include a movable mode selector. Movement of the mode selector may selectively place the fluid inlet or fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the two fluid channels in the showerhead portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Publication number: 20100320290Abstract: A handheld showerhead has a showerhead portion including a plurality of spray nozzles and a handle portion including a fluid inlet that receives water flow from a water source and a fluid passage that transports the water flow from the fluid inlet to the showerhead portion in a first flow direction. A fluid conveyance structure positioned at least partially within the showerhead portion has a base with two or more inlet openings. A mode selector includes a control knob and a fluid chamber with a fluid inlet that receives the water flow from the handle portion in a second flow direction and a rotatable chamber wall that defines a chamber outlet in selective fluid communication with the fluid conveyance structure. Rotation of the control knob rotates the chamber wall to selectively align the chamber outlet with one of the inlet openings in the base of the fluid conveyance structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: WATER PIK, INC.Inventors: HAROLD A. LUETTGEN, LELAND C. LEBER, MICHAEL J. QUINN
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Patent number: 7789326Abstract: A handheld showerhead with a showerhead portion and a handle portion. The showerhead portion may include at least two fluid channels. The handle portion may be operatively associated with the shower portion. The handle portion may include at least one fluid inlet or fluid passage. The handle portion may further include a movable mode selector. Movement of the mode selector may selectively place the fluid inlet or fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the two fluid channels in the showerhead portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Publication number: 20090314858Abstract: A showerhead providing an improved pause mode that restricts the amount of water emanating from the head. The showerhead includes a first and second outlet nozzle, a valve body operative to be in fluid communication with a shower pipe, the valve body having first and second flow channels in fluid communication with the shower pipe, each of which is also in fluid communication with one of the outlet nozzles. The first and second flow channels have different cross-sectional areas. In another embodiment, the valve body further includes a valve center in fluid communication between the first flow channel and the shower pipe, and is also in fluid communication between the second flow channel and the shower pipe. The valve body further defines a first hole in fluid communication with the first flow channel and the valve center, and a second hole in fluid communication with the second flow channel and the valve center, with the second hole having a smaller cross-sectional area than that of the first hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary D. Golichowsi, Gary L. Sokol
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Patent number: 7533906Abstract: A rotatable, pivotable connector having a female end, a male end, a neck joining the male and female ends, and an exterior retention element. The exterior retention element, such as, for example, a fitting, may limit expansion of the exterior of the female end. The exterior retention element may also take the form of a retainer or similar structure to retain a fitting about the exterior of the female end of the connector. Further, the connector may be hollow, thus defining a continuous passage within. Also, multiple connectors may be interconnected to form an arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary Golichowski
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Patent number: 7520448Abstract: A shower head providing an improved pause mode that restricts the amount of water emanating from the head. The shower head includes a first and second outlet nozzle, a valve body operative to be in fluid communication with a shower pipe, the valve body having first and second flow channels in fluid communication with the shower pipe, each of which is also in fluid communication with one of the outlet nozzles. The first and second flow channels have different cross-sectional areas. In another embodiment, the valve body further includes a valve center in fluid communication between the first flow channel and the shower pipe, and is also in fluid communication between the second flow channel and the shower pipe. The valve body further defines a first hole in fluid communication with the first flow channel and the valve center, and a second hole in fluid communication with the second flow channel and the valve center, with the second hole having a smaller cross-sectional area than that of the first hole.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary D. Golichowski, Gary L. Sokol
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Publication number: 20080271240Abstract: A molded arm for a showerhead may be configured to connect a showerhead to a fluid supply, and may be in the form of a molded body defining an inlet, an outlet and an interior passage providing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. An arm assembly may be configured to connect a showerhead to a fluid supply, and may include: a molded arm body defining an inlet, an outlet and an interior passage providing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet; and a separate attachment component configured to cooperate with the molded body and to engage a structure connected to a fluid supply. A method of making an arm for connecting a showerhead to a fluid supply may include molding an arm body to define an inlet, an outlet and an interior passage between the inlet and the outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn, Harold A. Luettgen, Roberta L. Callaghan, Carl T. Whitaker
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Publication number: 20080156902Abstract: A handheld showerhead with a showerhead portion and a handle portion. The showerhead portion may include at least two fluid channels. The handle portion may be operatively associated with the shower portion. The handle portion may include at least one fluid inlet or fluid passage. The handle portion may further include a movable mode selector. Movement of the mode selector may selectively place the fluid inlet or fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the two fluid channels in the showerhead portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Publication number: 20070272770Abstract: A showerhead assembly may include a showerhead bracket for attaching a conventional handheld showerhead to the showerhead assembly. A coupling member may join the showerhead assembly to a shower pipe, and a showerhead may be joined to the showerhead bracket to deliver water or other fluid from the showerhead assembly. The showerhead bracket may be selectively rotatable and/or pivotable relative to the coupling member, the showerhead, or both to change the direction water exits the showerhead assembly relative the showerhead pipe. The showerhead assembly may operate in one or more modes, which may include at least one off mode. The showerhead assembly operation mode may be selected by rotating at least some components of the showerhead relative to the showerhead bracket. Some showerhead assemblies may include a diverter valve to selectively control the flow of fluid from the showerhead pipe to the showerhead and the handheld showerhead.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Leland C. Leber, Harold A. Luettgen