Patents by Inventor George L. LeVan

George L. LeVan 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: 4406282
    Abstract: An earplug for use by an underwater diver includes a tubular vessel of soft flexible material adapted for insertion into the auditory meatus, a plurality of sealing rings surrounding the vessel to seat against the interior surface of the auditory meatus to provide a watertight seal, and a flexible inner vessel end inwardly rolled back upon itself to define a variable volume between the inner end, the interior surface of the auditory meatus, and the eardrum. The variable volume expands and contracts as the diver ascends or descends to maintain pressure equalization across the eardrum, yet prevent the entry of water into the auditory meatus. If the eardrum should rupture, the inner end of the vessel flexes to its full extent but still prevents the entry of water into the middle and inner ear regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Inventors: Bruce W. Parker, George L. LeVan