Patents Examined by Amanda Wieker
  • Patent number: 6886190
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning the exposed drain in finished surfaces in construction with the underlying drains and conduits of the construction infrastructure. The device features an inner generally planar center section, preferably round, with an off center drain aperture communicating between a top surface and a bottom surface. The center section is rotatably in a similarly shaped aperture formed in the surface material surrounding the underlying drain which can also be formed in a surrounding tile to be placed over the drain or in the finished material itself. Once the off center drain aperture is aligned with the underlying drain with the perimeter of the center section aligned with the aperture in the surrounding material, the center section is placed into the similarly shaped aperture and fixed in position with adhesive or grout and the drain strainer may be mounted into the off center drain aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Don B. Tompane
  • Patent number: 6886191
    Abstract: A soaking apparatus utilizing a soaking basin and a disposable liner configured to fit within the basin cavity. The basin is comprised of a material layer formed to define an integral floor and a peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The basin floor and peripheral wall together define the boundary of a basin cavity. An elongate protrusion protrudes from the floor into the basin cavity between left and right foot areas. The liner is comprised of a thin (e.g., 3-12 mils) material layer formed to define an integral floor and peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The liner floor and peripheral wall are dimensioned to closely nest within the basin cavity. The liner floor also defines left and right foot areas spaced by a protrusion projecting into the liner cavity. The underside of the liner protrusion forms a concave recess for accommodating the basin floor protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Vladimir Zolotnik
  • Patent number: 6886560
    Abstract: A powder inhaler comprising a powder container, an air channel, a metering member equipped with a dosing recess, an actuating means for the displacement of the metering member between the filling and the inhalation position, and a closure element for plugging the air channel in a substantially water-proof manner when the metering member is in the filling position and opening the air channel when the metering member is in the inhalation position. When the inhaler is not in use, the closure element prevents moisture and dirt from entering the sensitive parts of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Orion Corporation
    Inventor: Kari Seppälä
  • Patent number: 6883517
    Abstract: A pneumatic nebulizer for the delivery of medications that produces aerosol mist in a downward direction. A gas inlet introduces a high velocity gas that passes through a venturi orifice producing a venture effect. A liquid stored in a reservoir is drawn into the orifice, atomizing forming droplets. The droplets are further atomized by hitting a baffle. The mist formed substantially circumscribes the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Asaf Halamish
  • Patent number: 6880347
    Abstract: A shoulder pad accessory arm pad, to protect the upper arm of a wearer from injury. The arm pad includes a tapered padded member which attaches to the shoulder pad and arm of the wearer. The arm pad remains in place during athletic activity, and does not limit the effective range of motion of the upper arm of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Douglas M. Stam
  • Patent number: 6880182
    Abstract: A spa apparatus and method for cleaning the same. The spa apparatus includes a basin for retaining fluid, a removable foot rest plate positioned within the basin, an impeller coupled to the basin, and a motor drivably coupled to the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: European Touch Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Gruenwald
  • Patent number: 6857139
    Abstract: A tactile therapy system for use in a spa, hot tub, or pool. The tactile therapy system is based, at least in part, on the hand or foot maps specified in the reflexology art. The system thus includes a pattern of protrusions configured in accordance with reflexology hand map or foot map on which an individual may apply his or her hands or feet. The reflexology-based tactile therapy system may optionally be combined with hydrotherapy, by placing hydrotherapy jets among the pattern of protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Dimension One Spas
    Inventor: Victor Lee Walker