Patents Examined by Karen L Younkins
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Patent number: 8191184Abstract: The disposable neck pillow for a shampoo basin is formed from one or more bladders joined or otherwise positioned side-by-side to form a single cushioning pillow. Preferably, the bladders are filled with air. In a first embodiment, the neck pillow/pad has a top cover and a bottom cover. The top cover is fabricated from a suitable, soft, cloth-like fabric or material. The bottom cover is fabricated from a liquid impermeable or resistant material. The bottom and top covers are arranged to encapsulate the bladders. A layer of adhesive material may be disposed on the outer surface of the bottom cover to secure the pillow to the shampoo basin.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Re Ventures I, LLCInventors: Kristina C. Gibson, Harry L Culver, Allison Wachendorfer
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Patent number: 8185979Abstract: A method and system for providing an aesthetically pleasing covering for construction site structures, such as portable toilets and/or construction waste bins, includes expanses of material designed to encompass and/or encircle such structures. Various embodiments are directed to retractable, weather-resistant fabrics that, when employed in accordance with the present invention, create a cabana-like structure to obscure the undesired aesthetics of underlying structures. Other embodiments relate to camouflaging such structures to avoid the unpleasant visual appearance of reconstruction/remodeling projects where such structures are utilized.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Inventor: Stephen Hentschel
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Patent number: 8185978Abstract: A bedpan for collecting waste includes a seating area and a plurality of cavities. The seating area is located in a main body of the bedpan. The plurality of cavities is formed within the seating area and includes a first cavity for collecting liquid waste and a second cavity for collecting solid waste. The first cavity and the second cavity are separated by a divider.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.Inventors: Theodore J. Mosler, Scott P. Jarnagin, Todd M. Korogi, Andrew J. DiMeo, Sr.
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Patent number: 8181289Abstract: A lavatory system has a cabinet including a base, a basin and a head extending above the basin. A water outlet/sensor is mounted in the head. A water supply line is connected to the water outlet. A solenoid valve in the water supply line controls the flow of water through the water supply line. A circuit board sends electrical signals to the solenoid valve for opening and closing the valve upon receipt of indications from a sensor as to whether a user hands is present or not. The solenoid valve, shut off valve, circuit board and sensor are mounted in the head with a sloped surface towards the basin. A manual shutoff valve mounted in the head is included in the supply line.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventors: Paul A. Schmitt, Richard A. Nortier, Mark Gutting-Kilzer, James C. Allen
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Patent number: 8181282Abstract: Toilet basket (1) for receiving solid or gelled preparations having at least one container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) for receiving at least one preparation (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), the container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) positionable below the toilet rim so that flushing water can flow over it when the toilet is flushed, and at least one inlet opening (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) and one outlet opening (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) shaped in the container wall (7) for the flushing water; a holder (2) for mounting the toilet basket (1) on the bowl rim; a flushing water distributing element (8) arranged and configured on the toilet basket (1) so that the flushing water distributing element (8) is impinged upon by flushing water upon flushing, and an equalized delivery of flushing water into the inlet opening (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of the container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is produced.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Ralph Butter-Jentsch, Hans-Georg Muehlhausen
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Patent number: 8176577Abstract: A flush toilet includes a bowl assembly defining a bowl. The bowl assembly has a discharge outlet at a lower end and a ledge circumferentially extending about a substantial portion of the bowl. The bowl has a rear surface that is generally flat and vertical. The rear surface transitions to the ledge as the bowl continues clockwise and counter clockwise from the rear surface. A horizontal dimension of the ledge increases as the ledge continues from the rear surface to a front of the bowl. An angle of the ledge increases as the ledge continues from the rear surface to the front. A maximum slope of the ledge is located proximate the front. A nozzle is mounted to the bowl assembly for pressurizing a source of flush water and delivering the source of flush water to the bowl for rinsing and flushing of the bowl.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Thetford CorporationInventors: George Grech, Michael Harris, Jason Smith, Steve Meyer, Eric Krupp, Brian Kelly
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Patent number: 8176579Abstract: A modular shower pan includes at least four polygon panels adapted to interlock in side by side relation to form a body. Each panel has a planar bottom surface and a top surface that is sloped based upon a pre-selected drain position on the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Inventor: Madison Daniels
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Patent number: 8171574Abstract: A flexible sink strainer having a cupped body completely comprised of a flexible material including a plurality of apertures to allow fluid to pass therethrough, wherein the body is capable of attaining first and second configurations, the first configuration being suitable for capturing material entrained within fluid as it passes through the apertures and the second configuration being suitable for removing material captured on the body as fluid passes through the apertures, is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Helen of Troy LimitedInventors: Juan Escobar, Troy Phipps, John Kiechel, Paul Katz
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Patent number: 8166582Abstract: An alternative propulsion or motive force for the riders of water features based on generated waves. A wave generator may be used to propel individuals or vessels within a chute for recreation or transportation. In one form, a pool or container having a body of water is configured to support an artificial wave generator which uses compressed gas to discharge water and generate a wave-like motion within a body of water. A source of make-up fluid is configured to mitigate internal low pressure conditions caused by the water discharge to enable effective wave generation with reduced quantities of compressed air. Portions of the waves generated in a pool may be captured in a variety of ways by chutes for stand-alone rides or for portions of chutes in water slides.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Inventor: Garrett T. Johnson
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Patent number: 8141185Abstract: A sanitary device for autonomous operation for a conveyance. The sanitary device has a sanitary module and a supply system. The sanitary module is set up replaceably in a cabin area of the conveyance. The supply system is set up in the sanitary module to supply it. The sanitary module is autonomously operable.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Claus Hoffjann, Hansgeorg Schuldzig, Heinz-Detlef Naeve, Juergen Friedrich Haastert
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Patent number: 8122525Abstract: A putting green whose perimeter is level with the top of a concrete-sided pool having a decorative ribbon along the top of the pool side and an apron surrounding the pool having at least partially flat surface, the putting green overlying a deck including a) a waterproof surface comprising decking surface members having lengths and ends, the lengths being sized to the dimensions of the pool and the surface being at the same level as the pool apron; b) supports including i. cross members which are perpendicular to the lengths of the decking surface members; ii. underlying joists that form a sturdy base for the cross members; and iii. joist hangers being secured to the sides of the pool below the decorative ribbon along the top of the pool side and being sunk into the concrete side of the pool; and c) a putting green comprising at least the layers of gravel, sand and artificial grass.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Inventor: Jeffery L. Getz
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Patent number: 8117685Abstract: A flexible sink strainer having a cupped body completely comprised of a flexible material including a plurality of apertures to allow fluid to pass therethrough, wherein the body is capable of attaining first and second configurations, the first configuration being suitable for capturing material entrained within fluid as it passes through the apertures and the second configuration being suitable for removing material captured on the body as fluid passes through the apertures, is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Helen of Troy LimitedInventors: Juan Escobar, Troy Phipps, John Kiechel, Paul Katz
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Patent number: 8112828Abstract: The toilet anti-splatter apparatus limits urine splash in a toilet. The apparatus is provided in a plurality of sheets, all combined in a stack with one edge having a releasable bond. Each sheet provides a floating target with bulls eye containing a foaming agent. Upon water contact, the surfactant foaming agent foams, thereby diminishing splatter. The sheets are disposable and biodegradable and further inhibit splatter by floating until flushed. Available embodiments of the apparatus include those with bactericidal and fungicidal chemicals within the center capsule. Further embodiments contains dyes to encourage target strike by the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventor: Manuel B. Varela, III
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Patent number: 8108952Abstract: A controlling apparatus for automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device is provided, including a mat, at least a detection module, and a control module. The detection module is located inside the mat. The control module is electrically connected to the detection module and an automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device, respectively. The mat is placed in front of the toilet. When a user steps on the mat, the detection module and the control module detects the orientation and position of the footprint to determine whether the user is facing or facing away from the toilet and sends control signals to the automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device to operate accordingly. Also, the detection module can detect the user finishing using the toilet and leaving the mat, a corresponding signal is sent to the automated toilet seat and lid lifting and closing device to close the lid and flush.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Inventor: Po-Sen Hsiao
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Patent number: 8108954Abstract: A spa pool assembly has a pool having an enclosing wall and a base that together defines an interior. The base has a plurality of inflatable sections that are divided by a plurality of air passages that includes a first air passage that has a plurality of small bubble openings, and a second air passage that has a plurality of large bubble openings. The small bubble openings eject bubbles that are smaller in size than the bubbles ejected from the large bubble openings. The spa pool assembly can also include a bubble controller that controls the ejection of bubbles from the small bubble openings and the large bubble openings.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Ideal Time Consultants LimitedInventor: Vincent W. S. Lau
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Patent number: 8091158Abstract: A shower bathing apparatus is described as including a seat and a first water discharger provided rearward and upward in relation to the seat. The first water discharger is configured to discharge water in a direction forward of the seat. A water discharge direction from the first water discharger and a positional relationship between the first water discharger and the seat may be adjustable so that the water discharged from the first water discharger is able to reach the seat or forward of the seat. The water discharged from the first water discharger may further flow from above a seat occupant's shoulder to the seat occupant's leg.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Toto, Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Sato, Yutaka Aihara, Tomohisa Kato
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Patent number: 8091154Abstract: A toilet seat assembly comprising a seat (2) and hinge means (5) for hingedly attaching the seat (2) to a toilet. The hinge means (5) comprises a mounting block (50) having an arcuate slot (17), and an arcuate seat tang (20) extends rearwardly of the seat which is slidable in the arcuate slot of the mounting block. The assembly may also comprise a lid (3); and hinge means for hingedly attaching the lid (3) to a toilet; and an arcuate lid tang (23) extending rearwardly of the lid which is also slidable in the arcuate slot (17) of the mounting block (50).Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Inventors: Jeffrey Allen, Paul Bartholomew Ravenhill
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Patent number: 8087103Abstract: A toilet including a toilet bowl having a bowl flange with apertures and a toilet seat. The seat has a seat ring configured to rest on the bowl flange and a seat mounting means, the mounting means having at least one ring portion extending from the ring, two flange portions, each flange portion being aligned with one of said flange apertures, and an connecting means joining said ring portion and said flange portions, said connecting means permitting rotation of said ring portion between a generally horizontal use position and an over center storage position position. The mounting apparatus for the seat includes a post receptacle secured in each of the flange apertures, an elongate post secured to and extending downwardly from each of the seat flange portions and longitudinally extendable through and beyond the aligned receptacle to permit the seat to be elevated above the bowl flange to facilitate maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventor: Michael R. Leibfried
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Patent number: 8082603Abstract: A toilet including a toilet bowl having a bowl flange with apertures, a toilet seat, a toilet seat cover and mounting apparatus. The seat comprises a seat ring configured to rest on the bowl flange and seat mounting means and the seat cover comprises a cover and cover mounting means. The mounting apparatus includes the seat mounting means, the cover mounting means, post holders which overlie the bowl flange apertures, and connecting means joining said seat and cover mounting means and the post holders to permit rotation of the seat ring and cover between a generally horizontal use position and an over center storage position. An elongate post is secured to and extends downwardly from each of the post holders. A post receptacle is positively secured in each of the bowl flange apertures and extends there beyond. A cylindrical receptacle retainer surrounds and engages each receptacle over most of its length and engages the underside of the bowl to positively secure the receptacle in the bowl flange aperture.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Inventor: Michael R. Leibfried
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Patent number: 8069509Abstract: A sanitary device 210 is provided. The sanitary device 210 includes a body and mounting means on the body for mounting the body on a toiletry actuation device 312 of a toilet 310. A stack of leaves of material is provided on the body, the leaves of material being selectively removable so as to enable a user to actuate the toiletry actuation device 312 by removing an uppermost leaf of material from the stack, to reveal a lower leaf of material, and then pressing on the lower leaf of material to actuate the toiletry actuation device 312. In this way, a user can actuate the actuation device 312 without having to touch the toiletry actuation device 312 in a manner in which the user touches a surface which has been touched previously.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Daniel Adam Polakow