Patents Examined by Robert M. Fetsuga
  • Patent number: 7644453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for use in a shower enclosure with a shower curtain. The kit contains a wall component, a connecting component and a retaining component. The wall component has a back wall and at least one front wall, and is removably attachable to a wall surface of the shower enclosure. The connecting component has both a front portion and back portion. The back portion is detachably connectable to one of said at least one front wall of the wall component by means of magnets attached thereto. Once the wall component and connecting component are connected together, they form a watertight barrier. The front portion of the connecting component contains a protrusion in the form of two spaced apart, elongated arms that are each provided with an abutting edge against which part of the shower curtain may be positioned. The retaining component is detachably connectable to the protrusion of the connecting component with the part of the shower curtain snapped in between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Dean W. Dyckow
  • Patent number: 7644450
    Abstract: A premium ventilated toilet having an automated toilet ventilation system for removing noxious fumes from a bowl area of the toilet is disclosed. The ventilation system is mostly built-in to the toilet (e.g., ventilation ducts, and sensors) so that it is unobtrusive and attractive looking, however the active parts (e.g., a blower unit containing a blower impeller, a backflow shutoff valve, and electronic control circuitry) are contained in an simple housing that is unobtrusively and removably attached to the surface (preferably on the side) of the toilet base for simplified installation, maintenance, and replacement as needed. Automated operation is enabled by a non-contact occupancy (proximity) sensor and a flush sensor, both preferably built into a flush handle of the toilet. Detection of occupancy causes the ventilation system to operate and flushing turns it off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Lapossy
  • Patent number: 7640603
    Abstract: A cistern outlet valve mounting bracket assembly (10). The assembly includes first and second bracket members (12, 14) adapted for positioning about an outlet valve (20) in engagement with each other and the valve (20). The members (12, 14) also have means (28, 32) to allow fixing of the engaged members (12, 14) to a cistern (38). A method of installing an outlet valve (20) in a cistern (38) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Caroma Industries, Limited
    Inventor: Sam Robertson
  • Patent number: 7625488
    Abstract: A unitary plumbing apparatus is disclosed that serves as a drain waste water strainer trap for sinks and other plumbing fixtures as well as a filter or strainer for the exiting waste water to keep the drain pipe free flowing or to recover valuables lost into drain lines. The filter or strainer can be removed from the apparatus for cleaning by removing a cap at the bottom of the apparatus. The cap can be removed by hand. The top and bottom sections of the body of one embodiment of the apparatus are mutually rotatable for convenience in connecting inlet and outlet apparatus conduits to standing plumbing drain piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Dale M Blackburn
  • Patent number: 7594282
    Abstract: A pipe work 10 provided with a cleaning control valve V1 is connected to a rim 3 of a toilet main body 1 in a hygienic western-style toilet facility provided with an ejector inhaling and discharging air from a water-discharge channel where there is no possibility for odors and filthy water to be supplied to a toilet bowl in cleaning operation. A branch pipe 11 is branched from more upstream side than the cleaning control valve V1 of the water-supply pipe 10, and is connected to the ejector 20 through a U-shaped pipe 12 and an ejector water-supply valve V2. A discharge outlet of water of the ejector 20 is connected to a second water-discharge channel 7 through a pipe work 13. One end of a negative pressure transmission channel 21 is connected to an air suction inlet 20a provided at a throat portion of the ejector 20. The other end of the negative pressure transmission channel 21 is connected to an upper end 5a of a rising portion of a first water-discharge channel 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Inax Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Shirai
  • Patent number: 7578010
    Abstract: A recessed incrementally rotating nozzle assembly is located in a wall or bottom surface of a swimming pool in fluid communication through a conduit with a source of water under pressure from a valve, which valve periodically releases water into the conduit. Each time water flows, a nozzle housing is raised to eject a stream of water. As the nozzle housing rises, it is incrementally rotated by a pin engaging a saw tooth member of a cam ring. Upon cessation of flow, the nozzle housing is retracted and during retraction the nozzle housing is further incrementally rotated by the pin engaging another saw tooth member of the cam ring. After a predetermined degree of angular rotation, a cam reverser slidably reorients protrusions guiding the pin into and out of the saw tooth members to cause the pin to be guided by the opposite side of the saw tooth members and thereby cause reversal of the direction of rotation of the nozzle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 7574756
    Abstract: An apparatus for re-circulating a fluid contained within a hydrotherapeutic receptacle without the need for piping to a motor. The apparatus includes a jet housing having a portion thereof engageable with such receptacle. A nozzle device is located at one end of the housing to provide an entrance for such fluid to be suctioned into the housing and an exit for such suctioned fluid to be expelled from the housing. A control device is located adjacent the nozzle device to control fluid flow of such fluid suctioned into the housing and fluid flow of such fluid expelled from the housing. An expulsion unit is located adjacent the control device to expel such fluid from the housing back into such receptacle. A power source is connected to the expulsion unit to enable it to expel such fluid from the housing at a predetermined pressure into such receptacle at a predetermined rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Vu Tran
  • Patent number: 7571497
    Abstract: A lavatory carrier including at least one vertical upright, a horizontal cross plate, a clamp secured to the cross plate and releasably coupled to the upright, wherein the vertical position of the cross plate on the upright can be adjusted using the clamp, at least two horizontal arms for supporting a lavatory, and brackets secured to the arms and adjustably coupled to the cross plate. The positions of the arms, therefore, can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. In addition, horizontal positions of each of the arms on the cross plate can be independently adjusted using the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Roy Hetzler, Bushra Awad Ghaly
  • Patent number: 7559096
    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: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Vladimir Zolotnik
  • Patent number: 7559095
    Abstract: In order to attain adequate thermotherapic effect in a sauna room without forcing any extra burden on a patent, an aged person or a disabled person, an intake/exhaust fan, a room temperature sensor for measuring the room temperature, and a planar heater radiating infrared rays are provided in the sauna room keeping dry hot atmosphere. A sequence controller controls the planar heater according to the output from the room temperature sensor such that a predetermined thermotherapic bathing pattern where the room temperature of the sauna room and the time are predetermined is attained depending on the setting of a thermotherapic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventors: Reihi Tei, Kimiharu Nagase, Moriaki Miyahara
  • Patent number: 7536733
    Abstract: A platform for training and aiding a pet to use a conventional toilet is attached to the rim of a toilet bowl and further provided with a holding means used for holding a tray containing a substance to attract and create a habit for the pet to come to that location. Instead of a tray, a specially designed unit containing cat litter or its equivalent can also be used for the same purpose. Over time, the holding means can be removed as the pet no longer needs to be <<baited>> to the location. In this manner, only the holding means and tray become useless, a far lesser investment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventors: Denis Berube, Regent Dion
  • Patent number: 7530122
    Abstract: A system for the controlled release of backed up waste water from a restricted waste line and/or for facile pressure clearing of a restricted waste line. The apparatus of the instant invention can be installed in a wye cleanout fitting and positioned so that the seal is positioned near and sealed in the cleanout plug passageway of the wye cleanout fitting. Then the valve can be opened to controllably drain the waste line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Craig R. Schaaf
  • Patent number: 7530121
    Abstract: A portable disposable urine capture device system, comprising a exterior container having an interior surface and an exterior surface, an interior collection mechanism wherein the interior collection mechanism includes an open end, a closed end forming a base, closed sides, and an integrally attached substantially conical elongate shaft with an upper opening and a lower opening, oriented inside the interior collection mechanism such that discharged urine is directed away from the body of a user, via said shaft configured to receive and direct the flow of the discharged urine into the base; an absorbent substance maintained in the base of the interior collection mechanism which binds with the discharged urine, a drape for shielding the user during the system use, one or more tissue wipes to absorb excess fluid from the user's body after use, and an antibacterial substance for hygienically cleansing the user's hands after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Carolyn Snider
  • Patent number: 7526820
    Abstract: The Invention is a swimming machine operated by a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor. A first and a second tubular rail support the swimming machine in a swimming pool and are configured to resemble a swimming pool ladder and thus disguise the swimming machine. The configuration of the tubular rails substantially prevents use of the swimming machine as a ladder. A radio-operated remote control proportional relief valve selectably bleeds hydraulic fluid from the high pressure side to the low pressure side of the hydraulic pump, allowing remote control of the velocity of water in the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventors: James Murdock, Thomas M. Zuraw, Linda S. Braley
  • Patent number: 7523510
    Abstract: A sanitary plunger including a hollow tubular handle shaft having a flexible force cup attached to the lower end thereof. The flexible force cup has a central opening communicating the interior of the hollow tubular handle shaft and the interior of the force cup. A distributor means allows a leading plastic protector bag to be withdrawn from the roll through the central opening of the force cup and pulled around the exterior surface of said force cup and around the lower portion of the exterior surface of said tubular handle shaft in a manner adapted to cover the interior and exterior surfaces of said force cup and the exterior of said lower portion of portion of said tubular handle shaft. A lock member holds the outer end of the bag against the outer surface of the hollow tubular handle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Biagi, Jacob C. Larson
  • Patent number: 7503083
    Abstract: A waste water insert has a cylindrical wall surrounding a vertical cylindrical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The cylindrical wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer. One or more grooves are within the cylindrical wall of the insert and receive resilient rings that engage the cylindrical wall of the strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 7496977
    Abstract: A toilet tank accessory rack has a fixing element and a holding element. The fixing element is assembled on a wall near a toilet tank of a toilet, and forms first assembling portions thereon. The holding element forms second assembling portions for corresponding to and locking with the first assembling portion. At least a storing chamber is provided on a side of the holding element for storing articles, such as shampoo, washing foam, books and magazines, where a user may conveniently fetch during defecating or washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Ouyang Huei
  • Patent number: 7490372
    Abstract: A shower head includes an adapter, an extension pipe, a cover, and a filter. Thus, the locking blocks of the extension pipe are locked in and unlocked from the locking slots of the adapter by rotation of the extension pipe, so that the extension pipe is mounted on and detached from the adapter easily and rapidly, thereby facilitating a user mounting and detaching the shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Shu Zhu Huang
  • Patent number: 7490376
    Abstract: A drain tube assembly for use with a lavatory or other plumbing fixture is disclosed. The lavatory has a basin, a lower drain outlet having an internal threaded bore, and a one-piece drain structure having a drain tube adjacent one axial end, an attachment sleeve adjacent an opposed axial end which is radially outwardly threaded, and a radially extending flange there between. When attached, the drain structure has an axial path extending through the attachment sleeve, flange, and drain tube to carry liquid from the lavatory out the drain tube. In a first position the flange can form a clamp member if the assembly is to be mounted through a counter top. Alternatively the flange can in a second position form a base for the lavatory when the lavatory is suspended. Movement between the positions is created by varied degrees of threading the sleeve into the lower drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Mark F. McMullen
  • Patent number: 7490370
    Abstract: A combination spa and video entertainment system is disclosed wherein the video monitor is removably mountable to the spa so that it does not interfere with spa cover removal or replacement. The transportable video monitor is plug connectable to a mounting post attached to a sidewall of the spa which contains power, video and control cables. The video monitor is also plug connectable to a docking station that may be located indoors, which contains power, video and control cables, for viewing the video monitor indoors when the spa is not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen S. Macey, Christopher Larsen