Patents Examined by Robert M. Petsuga
  • Patent number: 6681415
    Abstract: A transfer seat apparatus structured for simultaneous dependent slidable translation during manual rotation, through preferably about 90° of rotation, of a seat section of the apparatus with a person seated atop the seat section. The apparatus is particularly useful for transferring a physically impaired or weakened person into a bathtub or over a collecting basin when adapted and used as a commode. Thus, as the seat section is rotated with the person seated thereon, lateral linear translation is simultaneously effected which is dependently responsive to manual seat section rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas S. Gallo
  • Patent number: 6678901
    Abstract: A combination of a handrail cover and a handrail consisting of a strip of heavy duty polyester based fabric, blended and dyed to resist fading and impregnated with UV protecting liquids, a strip of closed cell neoprene foam layer having two adhesive surfaces is laminated to the fabric, a zipper is attached to opposite ends of the fabric, the cover is wrapped around the handrail, and zipped closed. The inner elastic surface prevents the cover from sliding on the handrail. A tie wrap further secures the cover while covering the zipper in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. La Rossa
  • Patent number: 6675406
    Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is forced-fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 6634037
    Abstract: A personal cleansing system for substantially dry wiping articles is described suitable for use in a shower environment, utilizing a shell enclosing the wiping articles having a dispensing slot formed along the shell, a closure means, and a support device secured to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Unilever Home and Personal Care, USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lynn Turbett, Natalie Charambura
  • Patent number: 6590146
    Abstract: A collection device residing in an exterior environment for depositing refuse for disposal with the refuse material removed from a surface and then deposited into the collection device using a pressurized fluid flow to dispose of the refuse material by transferring the refuse material and the fluid to a sewer system. The collection device includes a pedestal body with a first end, a second end, and an internal void. Also included is a receptacle with a base, a surrounding sidewall extending from the base to define a receptacle interior separated from the exterior environment, the sidewall terminates in an opening forming a receptacle rim. The sidewall has a sidewall aperture adjacent to the opening, that receives fluid flow from a nozzle located in the exterior environment positioned to direct the pressurized fluid to flow from the nozzle into the sidewall aperture over an open gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Corrine Gonzales Mrsny
  • Patent number: 5493739
    Abstract: A toilet flush water supply control unit (10) which enables hot water to be immediately available at a hot water faucet (56), is described. The control unit (10) is formed from a first fluid conduit (12) and a second fluid conduit (20). The first fluid conduit provides a passage (12C) between the cold water supply (52) and the toilet flush tank (40). An intermediate opening (12D) in the first fluid conduit is opened and closed by a thermostatic device (21) mounted in the second fluid conduit. The thermostatic device allows cool water in the hot water system to flow into the first fluid conduit and thus into the toilet flush tank. Once hot water reaches the thermostatic device, the device closes. A valve (28) which is manually controlled by a handle (29) attached to the toilet flush tank, allows the user to turn the control unit on and off. The unit saves water and at the same time provides convenience of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: William J. Bezdek