Patents by Inventor Joseph J. Berke

Joseph J. Berke 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6336917
    Abstract: An ocular inspection and treatment eye mist apparatus having an outer housing that contacts the bony orbit surrounding the eye. An inner housing, concentrically disposed within the outer housing contacts the eyelid, pushing the eyelid back, exposing the eye. The outer housing is adjustable longitudinally over the inner housing to accommodate different users. The position of the outer housing prevents the inner housing from protruding too far into the eye by acting as a stop against the bony orbit. One end of the inner housing is adapted to receive a dispenser for administering a metered spray of medicine, powdered or liquid, or lavage to the eye as it is held open by the ocular treatment apparatus. The dispenser nozzle is equipped with a contrasting mark which provides a target for the eye to focus on ensuring the eye is optimally positioned to receive the metered spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Nulli Secundus, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Berke
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20010045217
    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 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Publication number: 20010039678
    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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: JOSEPH J. BERKE, CHARLES T. MICHAEL
  • Patent number: 6286418
    Abstract: Improved barbecue and kabob skewers are described. The barbecue skewer includes a rod or brochette to support, warm and cook food and a structure that allows for easy and effective removal of food when served. As an additional feature of the remover may include a safety guard to protect fingers, hands and arms from burns. The remover may also include a brush or tough material to scrape and clean the skewer. Further, the remover may be attached to a skewer handle for storage and convenience or may be separately applied for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles Michael
  • Patent number: 6273467
    Abstract: A restraint system surgical shield for preventing rubbing of a restraint system belt on a sensitive or physically impaired body area such as a heart pacer, chemotherapy port, defibrillator, scars, chest injuries, skin rashes, and pregnancies. In a first aspect of the invention a portion of a restraint system belt is spaced away from a sensitive or physically impaired body area by a bracket which is attached to the belt and is supported on an annular pad. In a second aspect, a portion of a belt is spaced away from the body area by a pair of pads which are attached to the belt. In a third aspect, an extended portion of a belt is spaced away from the body area by a band which is attached to a pair of pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6269821
    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: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6247824
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing the wearer of a typical safety helmet, face shield, or other headwear a mirror system that improves the wearer's awareness of the rear and side ambient environment. A display is provided to the wearer of a safety helmet that encompasses a reverse field of view and an extended side view of the surrounding environment. This system not only compensates for the limited peripheral view of the helmet but also extends the wearer's visual perception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles Michael
  • Patent number: 6231081
    Abstract: A semitrailer landing gear shoe for reducing pits, cracks, marks and depressions in pavements and extending the lives of pavements at truck terminals and delivery sites. In a first aspect of the invention, the average stress of a landing gear on a pavement is reduced by attaching enlarged plates to existing landing gear shoe with pairs of brackets and pairs of threaded fasteners. Concentrated stresses are reduced by bonding a compressible pad to lower surface of the enlarged plate. In a second aspect of the invention, average and concentrated stresses are reduced by replacing an existing landing gear shoe with a shoe having an enlarged lower portion and a compressible pad bonded or otherwise attached to the lower portion. Alternate constructions for the improved landing gear shoe and the compressible pad are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6048345
    Abstract: A motor driven reciprocating surgical file apparatus and method for trimming and shaping hard body materials. A small file is detachably mounted on the distal end of a reciprocating offset arm. The offset arm allows the file to be inserted and manipulated in a surgical site. The file is comprised of a slender elongated upward extending arm and an adjoining lower file portion. A plurality of teeth surround the file portion and are arranged to shape and trim bone and cartilage in a direction which is substantially parallel to the reciprocating motion of a motor's output shaft. A coupling is provided on the reciprocating arm for detachably mounting optional files. A control circuit allows a surgeon to vary the rate at which the file reciprocates. In a first aspect of the invention, the reciprocating file is driven by a battery operated electric motor. In a second aspect of the invention, the reciprocating arm is driven by an AC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Joseph J. Berke
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: 6015111
    Abstract: A tool and a method for the rapid and easy exchange of fishing line of a fishing reel includes a spool having two flanges. A first flange of the spool is preferably detachable for easy and efficient removal of used or damaged line from the spool. The tool further includes the ability to be used with a manual means for turning the spool. The manual version can be operated using brace and bit. In the preferred embodiment a motor is provided for driving the reel for rapid uptake and storage of a fishing line, the driving means preferably includes pair of spaced apart openings located on one of the flanges of the spool and the openings are preferably aligned to receive first and second handle portions of a handle of the fishing reel. A storage rack holds several exchangeable spools for different varieties (i.e., weight, color or length) of usable fishing lines. A method of using the exchanger and the storage rack is also described in detail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph J. Berke
  • Patent number: 5984910
    Abstract: An urinary incontinence device for use by a male includes an undergarment worn closely to the body and including an opening or hole through which the penis passes and is kept upright and close to the body by a flap across the opener in the undergarment. The flap may include an occlusion device integrally incorporated therein and aligned with the opening to be positioned between the base of the shaft of the penis and the scrotum to occlude the urethral passage of the penis. The occlusion device is designed to apply sufficient pressure to occlude the urethral passage without cutting off circulation of blood within the penis through the dorsal vein. The flap design maintains and retains an optimum position of the penis and occlusion of the urethral passage to prevent urine discharge in a form fitting undergarment that allows significant freedom of movement by the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph J. Berke
  • Patent number: 5980035
    Abstract: Mirrorized compartments for extending a diver's vertical, lateral and posterior fields of vision. The mirrorized compartments are clamped on opposite sides of the diving mask and have mirrorized surfaces which reflect light rays entering the compartments from objects above, below, the sides or rear of the mask into a diver's view. In a first aspect of the invention, the mirrorized surfaces are fixed to provide supplementary lateral and posterior fields of vision of fixed amounts. In a second aspect of the invention, the mirrorized surfaces are rotatable about horizontal axes to provide supplementary vertical or lateral and posterior fields of vision in varying amounts. In a third aspect of the invention, the mirrorized surfaces are on members which are rotatable with spherical joints to provide supplementary vertical, lateral and posterior fields of vision in varying amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph J. Berke
  • Patent number: D449482
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: D449483
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: D449484
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berke, Charles T. Michael
  • Patent number: D421040
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph J. Berke