Patents by Inventor David W. Vrona

David W. Vrona has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5490504
    Abstract: An endotracheal tube attachment device for positively securing an endotracheal tube to a patient and allowing selective lateral positioning and locking of the tube without removing the device or tube from the patient is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated strip of flexible material adapted to be adhesively attached to an upper lip region of a patient and a tube holder which is slideably mounted upon the strip. The tube holder has an arm extending in a direction perpendicular to and away from the strip and a securement strap is provided for positively securing the tube along the length of the arm. Positioning and locking mechanisms are provided for allowing selective lateral positioning of the tube holder along the length of the strip and positively locking the tube holder and tube in a selected position. The tube holder also allows for efficient and easy longitudinal adjustment of the endotracheal tube in the patient's trachea which is often required soon after initial placement of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Hollister Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Vrona, Michael R. Lavender, James J. Peterson, Margo E. Love
  • Patent number: 4994750
    Abstract: A protection device for a waterbed protects the water bladder and water heater from damage due to overheating when a dangerous condition, such as an insufficient level of water within the bladder or an element of the waterbed surroundings interposed between the bladder and the water heater, arises. The protection device employs a detector in the form of two capacitance plates placed adjacent to the water bladder and connected to a circuit which is operative to prevent power from being supplied to the water heater upon detection of a dangerous condition. The capacitance of the detector plates varies with the level of the water within the bladder and with the presence of a surrounding element between the bladder and heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Ohio Mattress Company Licensing & Components
    Inventors: David W. Vrona, Manley S. Keeler
  • Patent number: 4742195
    Abstract: A process instrument enclosed in a hermetically sealed housing for indicating and controlling a measured variable, such as the level in a tank. The instrument includes magnetically operated electrical switches actuable between open and closed positions in response to the measured variable. The electrical switches used are capable of switching current levels on the order of 10 Amps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Magnetrol International Incorporated
    Inventors: Cal L. Bryant, David W. Vrona, Dennis E. Francoeur, Paul G. Janitch