Patents Examined by Charles R. Eloslway
  • Patent number: 5682624
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for preventing a child or an object from being trapped by suction to a drain of a swimming pool filter pump system. The invention entails a safety valve capable of causing the filter pump to immediately lose its prime when a child or object becomes trapped against the drain of a swimming pool, so that the vacuum created by the filter pump is completely eliminated. The valve of this invention can be mounted directly to a suction line fluidically interconnecting the drain and the filter pump, and is constructed to permit air to rapidly flow into the suction line if a predetermined vacuum level is exceeded within the suction line, as is the case if the drain becomes partially or completely obstructed. The influx of air causes the filter pump to rapidly lose its prime, thereby completely eliminating the vacuum and the resulting hazardous condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Michael James Ciochetti
  • Patent number: 5381562
    Abstract: A portable basin is disclosed which is adapted to receive and support a selected part of a person's body for isolatable cleansing, treatment and the like with minimal discomfort to the person. The disclosed basin is of unitary, continuous sidewall construction having certain body supporting contour features on its bottom and top edge and certain self-stabilizing features. More particularly, a basin of this invention provides an integral elevated platform portion feature in its bottom for receiving and supporting a selected body part during cleansing or treatment within the interior of the basin and at least one seat defined in the top edge of its sidewall contoured for concurrently receiving and supporting an associated member of the selected body part. One disclosed preferred basin embodiment is particularly adapted for cleansing and treating the head of a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Vollrath Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joan M. Holloway, Jeter L. Ridley