Patents by Inventor Philip E. Shepherd

Philip E. Shepherd 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).

  • Liquid sensor and touch control for hydrotherapy baths
    Patent number: 4716605
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy system is provided including a hydrotherapy tub with a water circulation pump and motor. Electrical proximity sensor terminals are mounted to the tub on the outside surface, one at a relatively low level for detecting the presence of water in the tub and a second preferably at a higher level for detecting the presence of the user to serve as an "on" and "off" switch which the user can operate by placing his hand in proximity therewith. Neither of the terminals requires physical contact to be actuated. Each is connected to circuit means for establishing the presence of an object in proximity with it and each of the terminals is operatively connected to the pump motor so that the pump motor will operate only when both of the terminals are actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Inventors: Philip E. Shepherd, Gregory R. Johnson
  • Dynamically balanced suction relief for hydrotherapy tubs and spas
    Patent number: 4602391
    Abstract: A dynamically balanced suction relief is provided for a hydrotherapy tub or spa in which a controlled amount of water under pressure is supplied from the water pump to an air inlet duct to maintain a column of water in the air duct under normal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Pearl Baths Inc.
    Inventor: Philip E. Shepherd