Patents by Inventor Dominic A. Ricchio

Dominic A. Ricchio 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: 6139512
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of improved water therapy in which a person is buoyantly supported in a reclining or prone position on a top membrane of a enclosure which contains heated water, and air. A water pump recirculates the water which is drawn out of the enclosure through outlets and associated piping and which is then reintroduced into the interior of the enclosure through venturi air intake as waterjets that are mixed with air. The air enriched waterjets drive through a layer of water and impinge on the underside of the top membrane to produce massage effects on the person. The air is captured inside the enclosure in a chamber or pocket which rises above the water level within the sealed enclosure and is drawn out of the interior enclosure to the air inlet waterjet venturi for recirculation of air throughout and within the sealed enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Dominic A. Ricchio
  • Patent number: 4713853
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of water therapy in which a person is buoyantly supported in a prone position on a top membrane of a waterbed mattress containing heated water. A water pump recirculates the water, which is drawn out of the mattress through outlets and associated piping and which is then reintroduced through inlets and associated piping as an array of water jets. Air is introduced by a valve in the water piping on the return side of the pump or by means of a separate air pump connected to air inlets leading into the mattress. Also disclosed are a distributor fitting for insertion into the mattress to mix air and water and a base and frame assembly for concealing the plumbing and air recirculation piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Inventor: Dominic A. Ricchio
  • Patent number: 4684486
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of water therapy in which a person is buoyantly supported in a prone position on a top membrane of a water bed mattress containing heat water. A water pump recirculates the water, which is drawn out of the mattress through outlets and associated piping and which is then reintroduced through inlets and associated piping as an array of water jets. Air is introduced by a valve in the water piping on the return side of the pump or by means of a separate air pump connected to air inlets leading into the mattress. Also disclosed are a distributor fitting for insertion into the mattress to mix air and water and a base and frame assembly for concealing the plumbing and air recirculation piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Inventor: Dominic A. Ricchio
  • Patent number: 4637737
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring water temperature includes a temperature measuring instrument with a stem that is introduced into a water-filled mattress through a closure member positioned in the filler spout. The closure member and the temperature measuring instrument are secured in sealing relationship to the spout to form a blunt-ended cap therefor. The apparatus includes a cylindrical stopper that fits closely around an inside wall of the filler spout, a quantitative measuring instrument which includes a sensing stem and a crystal fitting over the end of the stopper and the filler spout for observing the measurements sensed by the instrument, and an annular hold-down member that runs around the crystal and the filler spout to secure the stopper in sealing relationship therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Inventor: Dominic A. Ricchio
  • Patent number: 4635620
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of water therapy in which a person is buoyantly supported in a prone position on a top membrane of a waterbed mattress containing heated water. A water pump recirculates the water, which is drawn out of the mattress through outlets and associated piping and which is then reintroduced through inlets and associated piping as an array of water jets. Air is introduced by a valve in the water piping on the return side of the pump or by means of a separate air pump connected to air inlets leading into the mattress. Also disclosed are a distributor fitting for insertion into the mattress to mix air and water and a base and frame assembly for concealing the plumbing and air recirculation piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Dominic A. Ricchio