Patents Examined by Janie Christiansen
  • Patent number: 8510872
    Abstract: Toilet flusher (1) comprising a power source (3), a control unit (4), and at least one first container (9) containing a first preparation (10), wherein the first container can be coupled to the toilet flusher (1), wherein at least the first preparation (10) has a viscosity less than 3,000 mPas, and wherein a pump (6) and/or a dispensing element (43) is configured so that when the pump (6) is idle or the dispensing element (43) is in the closed position, the preparation (10) is prevented from freely flowing into the surrounding area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Mühlhausen, Frank Pessel, Ralph Butter-Jentsch, Matthias Lueken
  • Patent number: 8499375
    Abstract: A washbasin includes: a washbasin body having a water containing space and comprising an insertion hole formed in a front surface thereof in a downward inclined direction and a drain hole formed on the bottom surface thereof; a water supply nozzle projected toward the water containing space through the insertion hole from a rear end of the washbasin body, wherein the projected portion of the water supply nozzle is rotated in a direction desired by a user so as to control a water supply direction and a water supply amount; a cold/hot water supply valve buried in a one-side edge of the washbasin body and coupled to the water supply nozzle through a pipe; and a cold/hot selection level installed on the top surface of the cold/hot water supply valve and selectively supplying cold/hot water to the water supply nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Suk-Jin Kim, Hyun-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8468619
    Abstract: A open/close device of washing tank drain comprises an open/close controller having a sliding shaft and a fixed sleeve, a drain plug mechanism with an open/close function mechanism, and a connecting cable between the open/close controller and the open/close function mechanism. The open/close controller has a retaining hook to be connected with the sliding shaft. A first stop position and a second stop position, which are moveably connected with the retaining hook, are set on the surface of the sliding shaft, at different height, and the first one being closer to the head of the sliding shaft than the second one. The sliding shaft is provided with a first one-way slideway and a second one-way slideway. The open/close controller also has a spring for applying a force to the sliding shaft along the direction from the head to the tail of the sliding shaft. One end of the connecting cable is connected with the sliding shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Ningbo Bosheng Plumbing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Difeng Cen
  • Patent number: 8453272
    Abstract: An automatic cleaning assembly having an outer body and an inner lid which, when attached to each other, may define an inner chamber and an outer chamber. Refill water may enter the inner chamber through a fluid flow path of an inlet. A cleaning agent disposed within the inner chamber may be partially dissolved upon contact with the water. The water with the dissolved cleaning agent begins to fill the outer chamber and exit out of the outlet of the automatic cleaning assembly. The outlet of the automatic cleaning assembly is positioned above the inlet of the automatic cleaning assembly such that water is retained within the outer chamber to prevent gas caused by the cleaning agent from escaping into the environment. Moreover, the automatic cleaning assembly may have a check valve to prevent water from back flowing into a ball cock of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Jae K. Sim
  • Patent number: 8438670
    Abstract: A gravity flush toilet system is provides that includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl and a tank, wherein the bowl includes a trapway extending from the bottom of the toilet bowl to a sewage line. The toilet system is capable of operating at multiple flush volumes without loss of siphonic function or significant change in the surface area of the water in the bowl. The multiple flush volumes allow the user to select appropriate water usages for the required waste removal without diminishing the performance of the toilet, resulting in significant water savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventors: David Grover, Zheng Chen, James McHale
  • Patent number: 8438671
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for sequentially supporting, opening and closing a pool-deck lid covering below-deck troughs housing coordinated with the operation of powered pool cover systems housed in the troughs. In certain embodiments the system comprises in combination: a front, longitudinal seating structure, an upwardly movably, cantilever bracket structure, hydraulic/pneumatic means, and a hydraulic/pneumatic actuation control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Harry J. Last
  • Patent number: 8434173
    Abstract: A device for assisting in the cleaning of reusable cloth diapers comprises a molded plastic frame which rests on an interior perimeter of a toilet bowl. The frame comprises a universal design such that it fits on both round and oval bowls. A plurality of adjustable spring clips holds and supports the soiled diaper in a taut and stretched configuration. With the device and diaper in place, the diaper may be rinsed off. When finished, the toilet is flushed and the device is removed, folded, and stored in a supplied storage case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Bernadette D. Drew
  • Patent number: 8418280
    Abstract: The drive device, which serves for the transport of the cover of a liquid container, particularly a swimming pool, is installed or installable in device compartment, which is arranged separate from the liquid container. The drive device includes at least one winding shaft that interacts with the cover and that is coupled to a first drive unit. The winding shaft serves for the rolling-up of the cover, which can be guided over a deflection device to an outlet opening of the device compartment and, at the end facing the winding shaft, is connected to an outer tractive element, which is acting against the side of the cover that is opposite to the side which faces the deflection device, which outer tractive element presses cover under tension against the deflection device, and which outer tractive element is held and can be tensioned by a first traction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Arthur Schwerzmann
  • Patent number: 8418276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toilet flushing device including an outer casing, a gear set, a ring disk set, a connecting rod set and a drive set; wherein the drive set includes a toilet flushing handle. By pressing or lifting the toilet flushing handle towards different directions, the discharged water amount can be controlled accurately and thereby achieves the goal of water saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: So-Mei Huang
  • Patent number: 8418272
    Abstract: A linear heater is formed of an enamel wire composed of a heating wire and an enamel layer. The heating wire is made of a copper alloy containing silver, for example. The enamel layer is made of polyester imide (PEI), polyimide (PI) or polyamide imide (PAI), for example. The enamel layer is coated with an insulating coating layer. The insulating coating layer is made of fluororesin such as perfluoroalkoxy mixture (PFA), polyimide (PI), or polyamide imide (PAI). The linear heater is bonded to the lower surface of an upper toilet seat casing such that it is sandwiched between a metal foil and a metal foil made of aluminum, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Nishimura, Shigeru Shirai, Hideki Ohno, Yoshiharu Shimada, Tomoko Ishida, Yuji Yamamoto, Shinji Fujii, Yoshiko Kurimoto, Kazuya Kondoh, Masahiro Inoue, Toru Ueno
  • Patent number: 8402573
    Abstract: A toilet unit for use in a supine position comprises: a substantially oblong support casing formed in a substantially boat shape; and a treating body housed in the support casing and formed in a substantially T-shape by a urination and defecation container, serving as a lateral casing, of which the inside is formed a boat shape and a washing nozzle retainer, serving as a vertical casing, which stands upright on the downstream side of the urination and defecation container, wherein a head section of the urination and defecation container is provided with an injection nozzle for crushing stools of a patient, the washing nozzle retainer is provided with a washing nozzle and a bidet nozzle, and a domed cover body for covering the private parts of the patient is pivotally provided to be openable and closable at an upper edge of the washing nozzle retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Sanyo Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Nakamura, Kim Yong Ha, Do Hyun Ok
  • Patent number: 8393020
    Abstract: Bath and shower support systems for a bath or shower enclosure have adjustable grab bars bearing on adjustable lower supports and laterally connecting to a parallel tiled wall by suction cups clamped to the tile by locking means. An adjustable length upward extending grab bar attaches to the lower grab bar with its upper extremity attaching to the tiled wall by connection means that includes a suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Willie T. Grant
  • Patent number: 8381321
    Abstract: A toilet apparatus includes a bowl cleaning unit for mixing a detergent that removes dirt on the inner walls of the bowl with cleaning water which is to be flushed into the bowl. The detergent is stored in a detergent tank which is provided inside a housing forming the outer shell of the toilet apparatus, and is supplied to the water supply channel of the cleaning water from the detergent tank through a detergent supply unit. The detergent tank is accommodated in an internal space of the housing and is concealed inside the housing behind a detachable cover which constitutes a portion of the outer walls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nishizaki, Takahiro Nakamura, Kenjirou Arashi
  • Patent number: 8347425
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a shower attachment capable of affixing to a standard residential or commercial shower enclosure. The shower attachment uses existing plumbing to supply pressurized water to a water intake, which in turn feeds a vertical assembly. The vertical assembly includes a stabilizing rod having a top end and corresponding back end. A pivot arm having a first portion and corresponding second portion connects to the stabilizing rod. A detachable shower wand is positioned at the second portion of the pivot arm, which is capable of receiving pressurized water from the water intake. In addition, a horizontal assembly connects to the bottom end of the shower attachment to secure the device to the shower enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Edgar L. Bronstein
  • Patent number: 8312570
    Abstract: A quick-installation structure of a toilet seat cover assembly includes two positioning rods which are fixed on a toilet and two connection devices which are disposed on the toilet seat cover assembly and correspond to the two positioning rods, respectively. Each of the connecting devices includes a sleeve formed on a toilet seat, a rotating axle fixed to a cover, a connecting block connected to the rotating axle, a connecting sleeve fitted on the connecting block and a button connected to the connecting sleeve. The connecting block includes a main body, an engaging plate and a first restoration spring. The main body is longitudinally formed with a positioning hole. The engaging plate and the first restoration spring are laterally and pivotally connected to the main body above the positioning hole. The engaging plate is moved to swing by pressing the button. The positioning rod has an annular groove at an upper portion thereof and a cone with an inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hoti (Xiamen) Plumbing Inc.
    Inventor: Guo-Bin Chen
  • Patent number: 8307471
    Abstract: Bather movement apparatus for use with a sidewall opening bath enclosure generally includes a chaise, a stanchion having a stirrup for supporting the chaise along with a pivot post extending exterior to the bath enclosure and a pivot arm interconnecting the pivot post and stanchion for enabling arcuate movement of the chaise between a bathing position within the bath enclosure and a doorway position outside of the bath enclosure. The movement of the chaise passes the chaise through the bath enclosure side opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Axcess Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wm. Seymour, Deon Colchester, Robert Rotstan, Jr., Carl Tenbrink
  • Patent number: 8302217
    Abstract: A valve mechanism for controlling release of pressurized fluid includes a fluid chamber. A plunger is received in an aperture in the fluid chamber, and is movable between a fluid retention position in which fluid is substantially trapped in the fluid chamber and a fluid release position in which fluid can escape from the fluid chamber through passages in the plunger. The plunger is biased into the fluid retention position. A driver drives a plunger actuator, and the plunger actuator is guided into engagement with the plunger to cause the plunger and the plunger actuator to move in unison and move the plunger into the fluid release position during a first portion of a stroke of the driver towards the fluid chamber, and the plunger actuator is further guided to permit the plunger to return to the fluid retention position during a second portion of the stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Josef Karl Kihs
  • Patent number: 8272081
    Abstract: A lift device replaces the toilet seat and seat cover of a conventional toilet. The lift device provides a portion that overlays the toilet bowl area and a portion that supports the forward elements of the assembly. The lift device further provides a toilet seat and a horizontally-disposed seat pivot shaft located to the front of the device. A reversible electric motor with a worm gear drive engages a worm wheel segment attached to the seat pivot shaft for raising and lowering the toilet seat as desired or required. This action assists the user in positioning himself or herself onto the toilet and in lifting the user from the toilet. The raising and lowering movement can also be alternatively actuated by the user or by an assistant-actuated override device, such as when the user is assisted by a care giver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Henry M. Anderson, Jr., Amber L. Kirchner
  • Patent number: 8214938
    Abstract: A shower bar assembly that includes a pair of mounting brackets configured and arranged to be mounted to a wall of a shower stall is disclosed. Each of the mounting brackets has a base portion with a first shelf and a second shelf projecting from the base portion. The first and second shelves each have a retaining peg projecting from each shelf, respectively. A tubular shower bar is included and has two opposing ends. Each of the ends of the tubular shower bar has a pair of surfaces in which each defines an aperture through the tubular shower bar. Each end of the tubular shower bar is configured and arranged to slide onto the first and second shelves of the mounting brackets, with the apertures interlocking with each of the retaining pegs, respectively, to suspend the shower bar between the mounting brackets and to prevent the shower bar from rotating between the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kenney Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael Hanley, Leo E. LaBarre, Sally Voas
  • Patent number: 8214939
    Abstract: A splash guard for installation on a washing basin having a faucet assembly mounted proximate an edge of said basin, said splash guard comprising a one piece, generally concave shell having a floor portion with one or more openings for water supply plumbing to said faucet assembly and an upwardly curved rear wall portion integral therewith for directing splashed material impinging thereon into said washing basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: James R. Spurlock