Patents by Inventor Eric Hale

Eric Hale 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: 12352291
    Abstract: A system for filtering water in a spa is described, and may include a housing that defines a receptacle for receiving a framework. The housing may include a cover and a back element, the cover and the back element connectable to form the receptacle. The back element may comprise an inlet port and an outlet port. The framework includes a rectangular slot for receiving a rectangular filter media, and one or more openings for receiving one or more mineral cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Nathan Tulett, Eric Hales, Creed Larsen
  • Patent number: 12329715
    Abstract: A reinforcing system for a vessel that can contain water. The system includes a shell for containing water, the shell having one or more jets extending therethrough from an inside of the shell to an outside of the shell, and a structural support layer on an underside of the shell. The structural support layer can include: an inner layer of rigidizer applied to the underside of the shell, a central low density core, and an outer layer of rigidizer applied to the central low-density core. The structural support layer can extend from a bottom side of the underside of the shell, across at least one sidewall of the underside of the shell, and form at least one rib along the sidewall of the underside of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane, Eric Hales, Michael Adams
  • Publication number: 20250073121
    Abstract: A modular frame and system for supporting a swim spa, hot tub, or other water containment vessel is contemplated. The system includes a plurality of keyed vertical members attachable to cooperating grooves in horizontal rails. The ends of the horizontal rails attach via keyed projections to a corner bracket, while a retaining member secures to a groove in horizontal rail to secure an integrated protective bottom sheet. All of these components can be manufactured in standardized dimensions relying upon low-cost, light-weight polymeric materials. Methods and systems for using these components in a variety of customizable arrangements are also contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Samuel Collins, Scott Backer, Eber Chacon, Eric Hales
  • Publication number: 20250065250
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a filter media that can be used to filter a spa, hot tub, or pool. The filter media can include a body with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of pleats. A border is joined and surrounding a periphery of the body, the border for maintaining a planar shape of one or more of the top surface and bottom surface of the filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Eric Hales, Todd Anderson, Mark McLane, Richard Alex Eddington, Jeremy J. Evans
  • Patent number: 12233021
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for sealing components in a spa shell. A through-component body, such as a spa jet, extends from the inner side of the spa shell to an outer side of the spa shell. A retaining member includes at least one injection port, and retains the through-component body in place on the outer side of the spa shell. A sealant is injected into the at least one injection port to seal a space between the outer side of the spa shell and the through-component body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Taylor Beck, Nathan Tulett, Todd Anderson, Eric Hales, Mark McLane
  • Patent number: 12232598
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a hammock for a user to rest thereon in the water of the spa. The hammock may include a proximal end with head support portion and one or more attachment means for connection to an anchor on the spa shell, and a distal end with one or more attachment means for connection to an anchor on the spa shell. One or more lateral coupling members may couple the hammock to the lateral sides of the spa, and one or more longitudinal coupling members may couple the hammock to a front side and/or back side of the spa. The longitudinal and lateral coupling members may support the hammock in the water to give the user a unique flotation experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos, Richard Eddington
  • Patent number: 12201272
    Abstract: A dynamic imaging system for use with endoscope, or as an element of a video endoscope, utilizes path length differences and/or a variable aperture size to expand a usable depth of field and/or improve image resolution in an area of interest in the image field. In some implementations, the imaging system utilizes a variable aperture in conjunction with unequally spaced image sensors placed downstream from a beam splitter. An imaging system captures multiple focal planes of an image scene on separate sensors. A variable aperture permits the capture of enhanced resolution images or images with longer depths of field. These differently focused images and/or images with different resolutions and depths of field are then combined using image fusion techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: George Duckett, Eric Hale, Nathan Schara
  • Publication number: 20240349985
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that enable contextual correction functions based on a current step in a surgery or surgical procedure and based on what is displayed on a display. By using information about what is depicted on the display and the current step of the surgery or surgical procedure, a controller can implement data models that automatically perform correction functions without the need for physician input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventor: Eric HALE
  • Publication number: 20240298875
    Abstract: A system for controlling a medical imaging scope is disclosed. The system includes a camera head, a display, a processing unit, a memory unit and an input disposed on the medical imaging scope. The processing unit is configured to display a menu that correlates to a plurality of commands. The input is configured to be moveable in three dimensions of space along a set axis, in a plurality of discrete patterns. The processing unit is further configured to associate each of the plurality of discrete patterns with a desired command of the plurality of commands and store each of the plurality of discrete patterns with the desired command of the plurality of commands in the memory unit so as to customize a control of the medical imaging scope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Applicant: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Schara, Eric Hale
  • Patent number: 12064661
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an exercise bar for a user to use for rowing or other exercises in the water of the spa or adjacent to the spa. The exercise bar may comprise a central hub, and two sides, each with a first inner tube attached to opposing side of the central hub and a an outer tube in telescoping connection with the inner tube, and a handgrip in connection with the first outer tube. A connector may be mounted to the central hub, the connector to enable the exercise bar to be connected to one or more resistance cables. The exercise bar may be adjustable from a first, shorter length for use with exercises in which a user's hands are positioned closer together and a second, longer length for use with exercises in which a user's hands are positioned father apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: BULLFROG INTERNATIONAL, LC
    Inventors: Eric Hales, Mark McLane, Robert Santos
  • Publication number: 20240245220
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to systems, devices, and methods of use thereof regarding headrests for selectively removable spa seatbacks. In some embodiments, headrests of the present disclosure include a pillow and a manifold to (a) receive the pillow and (b) selectively engage the selectively removable spa seatback. In some embodiments, headrests of the present disclosure include a pillow and a manifold, where the manifold includes a platform to receive the pillow, a body for engaging with the selectively removable spa seatback, and a constraining plate to restrict a movement of a portion of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Todd Anderson, Eric Hales, Michael Andersen
  • Patent number: 12016523
    Abstract: A system for controlling a medical imaging scope is disclosed. The system includes a camera head, a display, a processing unit, a memory unit and an input disposed on the medical imaging scope. The processing unit is configured to display a menu that correlates to a plurality of commands. The input is configured to be moveable in three dimensions of space along a set axis, in a plurality of discrete patterns. The processing unit is further configured to associate each of the plurality of discrete patterns with a desired command of the plurality of commands and store each of the plurality of discrete patterns with the desired command of the plurality of commands in the memory unit so as to customize a control of the medical imaging scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Schara, Eric Hale
  • Publication number: 20240159385
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to induction systems for wirelessly transmitting electricity. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and systems for wirelessly transmitting electricity to a light incorporated within, for example, a spa. In some embodiments, the systems include at least one pair of induction coils (e.g., receiving and transmitting coils) incorporated into a selectively removable spa seatback. The at least one pair of induction coils can be used to wirelessly transmit electricity to a light disposed within the selectively removable spa seatback. In some embodiments, a converter is incorporated into the system to adjust at least one characteristic of the light, such as brightness, color, and/or a lighting pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2023
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Inventors: Todd Anderson, Eric Hales, Michael Andersen
  • Publication number: 20240156679
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to jets for spas and, more specifically, to jets that can have more than one jet hydrotherapy spray mode. The jet can include a selectively rotatable jet head, the jet head having a first jet spray mode and a second jet spray mode. The jet head includes a valve, the valve having a first water inlet and a second water inlet, the valve further comprising a first air channel and a second air channel. The valve is rotatable from a first jet spray mode position in which a water intake is in fluid communication with the first water inlet and an air intake is in fluid communication with the first air channel, to a second jet spray mode position in which the water intake is in fluid communication with the second water inlet and the air intake is in fluid communication with the second air channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Inventors: Eric Hales, Christopher Kamerath, Todd Anderson, Michael Andersen
  • Publication number: 20240149290
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to jets for spas and, more specifically, to jets that can be adjusted laterally along a width of the proximal end of the jet housing. The angular adjustment of the proximal outlet of the jet may be at least 30°. In some embodiments, the jet assembly includes a housing with a distal inlet at a distal end of the housing and a proximal outlet at a proximal end of the housing, the proximal outlet laterally adjustable along a width of the proximal end of the housing, with the proximal outlet maintaining a constant depth with respect to the proximal end of the housing as the proximal outlet is laterally adjusted along the width of the proximal end of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Kamerath, Eric Hales, Todd Anderson, Michael Andersen
  • Publication number: 20240074941
    Abstract: A reinforcing system for a vessel that can contain water is described. The system includes a shell for containing water, the shell having one or more jets extending therethrough from an inside of the shell to an outside of the shell, and a structural support layer on an underside of the shell. The structural support layer can include: an inner layer of rigidizer applied to the underside of the shell, a central low density core, and an outer layer of rigidizer applied to the central low-density core. The structural support layer can extend from a bottom side of the underside of the shell, across at least one sidewall of the underside of the shell, and form at least one rib along the sidewall of the underside of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane, Eric Hales, Michael Adams
  • Patent number: 11852332
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to spa waterfall lighting systems. A spa waterfall lighting system can include a waterfall body with a base portion and a top portion, and a wired light located within the waterfall body. A projection, coupling, or barb is in connection with the base portion of the waterfall body. The projection includes an externally threaded portion, with a channel formed in the externally threaded portion. The channel receives a wire, the wire in electrical connection with the wired light located within the waterfall body. A threaded nut secures the projection to a spa shell, and the threaded nut is threadable over the externally threaded portion of the projection when the wire is in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Todd Anderson, Eric Hales
  • Publication number: 20230400041
    Abstract: A system for filtering water in a spa is described, and may include a housing that defines a receptacle for receiving a framework. The housing may include a cover and a back element, the cover and the back element connectable to form the receptacle. The back element may comprise an inlet port and an outlet port. The framework includes a rectangular slot for receiving a rectangular filter media, and one or more openings for receiving one or more mineral cartridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan Tulett, Eric Hales, Creed Larsen
  • Patent number: 11813226
    Abstract: A system and method for reinforcing a spa shell includes a structural support layer on an underside of the spa shell. The structural support layer may include an inner layer of rigidizer, a central foam layer, and an outer layer of rigidizer. The structural support layer may extend from a bottom side of the underside of the spa shell, across at least one sidewall of the underside of the spa shell to a lip of the spa shell, the structural support layer forming at least one rib along the sidewall of the underside of the spa shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Robert Santos, Richard Alex Eddington, Evan Smail, Mark McLane, Eric Hales, Michael Adams
  • Patent number: D1066705
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: BULLFROG INTERNATIONAL, LC
    Inventors: Michael Andersen, Eric Hales, Todd Anderson