Patents by Inventor Harold A. Luettgen
Harold A. Luettgen 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).
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Patent number: 9642677Abstract: An irrigating device, such as an oral irrigator or a nasal irrigator. The irrigating device includes a pump and a motor connected to the pump and configured to selectively drive the pump. Additionally, the irrigating device includes a massage module in communication with the motor. During a normal mode, the pump has a first pulse rate and during a massage mode, the massage module provides a massage control signal to the motor, causing the pump to have a second pulse rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gordon Haszier
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Patent number: 9636694Abstract: A showerhead including a handle portion, a showerhead portion, a water supply connector, and a moveable mode selector positioned about and sealed with respect to the water supply connector. The moveable mode selector includes a fluid tight chamber; an inlet aperture aligned with the first fluid outlet to provide fluid communication between the fluid passage and the chamber; and two or more outlet apertures respectively and selectively alignable with the two or more second fluid inlets to provide fluid communication between the chamber and the two or more second fluid channels. Movement of the mode selector selectively aligns one of the two or more outlet apertures with a corresponding one of the two or more second fluid inlets while maintaining fluid communication between the inlet aperture and the fluid outlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Patent number: 9623425Abstract: A showerhead including a handle portion, a showerhead portion, a water supply connector, and a mode selector positioned around the water supply connector. The mode selector is positioned around the water supply connector and includes a rotatable control knob mounted above the handle portion and configured to rotate about an axis and a rotatable valve core received within and sealed to the control knob to create a second fluid chamber between the valve core and the control knob. The valve core further defines a first aperture and a second aperture and rotation of the control knob rotates the valve core to selectively align the second aperture of the valve core with one of two or more fluid inlets while maintaining the first aperture in at least partial alignment with a second fluid outlet from the first fluid chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Patent number: 9623424Abstract: A handheld showerhead including a showerhead portion, a handle portion, and a movable mode selector portion. The mode selector portion includes a rotationally-fixed first end coupling and a rotationally-fixed second end coupling, which is concentrically aligned with the first end coupling, and a rotatable control knob body. The movable mode selector includes a fluid seal coupled to the rotatable knob body, the first fluid seal including at least one fluid control aperture. The second end coupling also includes a fluid inlet aperture and a fluid outlet aperture. The inlet aperture is in fluid communication with a fluid supply, and the outlet aperture is in fluid communication with the control knob body. A second fluid seal is positioned between the second end coupling and the control knob body. A single mechanical fastener axially couples the control knob body to the first end coupling and the second end coupling.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Patent number: 9597161Abstract: An irrigating device including a massage mode module in communication with a motor driving a pump. During a normal mode the pump has a first pulse rate and during massage mode the massage mode module provides a massage control signal to the motor to cause the pump to have a second pulse rate. In other embodiments, the disclosure includes an oral irrigator including a base and a reservoir removably connected to the base. The oral irrigator further includes a prow operably connected to the base and extending vertically upwards from the base. The prow may extend in a similar direction as sidewalls of the reservoir. The oral irrigator further includes a lid rotatably connected to the prow. The lid rotates between a first position where a fluid cavity of the reservoir is exposed to a second position where the lid covers at least a portion of the fluid cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Kurt M. Taylor
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Patent number: 9468511Abstract: An electronically powered toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a brush head including a plurality of bristles, a motor, and an output shaft connected to the brush head and the motor. The output shaft is selectively rotated by the motor. The toothbrush further includes a bumper assembly connected to the output shaft and configured to conserve kinetic energy from the output shaft during rotation and reapply the kinetic energy to the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Garrigues, Harold A. Luettgen
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Publication number: 20160263592Abstract: A showerhead bracket having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a valve and a valve housing. The valve may be operably connected between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The valve includes a valve inlet port, a low flow exit port and a high flow exit port. The valve housing is disposed between the fluid inlet and the valve inlet port. The valve can selectively rotate within the valve housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: Michael J. Quinn, Leland C. Leber, Harold A. Luettgen, Ryan Saunders
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Publication number: 20160151133Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oral irrigator. In one embodiment, the oral irrigator includes a motor, a pump body, a connecting rod, and a diaphragm seal. The connecting rod is at least partially received within the pump body and is movably connected to the motor such that the motor moves the connecting rod between a first position and a second position within the pump body. The diaphragm seal is connected to the connecting rod and the pump body and deforms from a first orientation to a second orientation as the connecting rod moves from the first position to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2015Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Oscar Senff, Brian Woodard, Blaine Hanson, Jonathan Huber
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Patent number: 9347208Abstract: A showerhead bracket having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a valve and a valve housing. the valve may be operably connected between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The valve includes a valve inlet port, a low flow exit port and a high flow exit port. The valve housing is disposed between the fluid inlet and the valve inlet port. And the valve can selectively rotate within the valve housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: WATER PIK, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Quinn, Leland C. Leber, Harold A. Luettgen, Ryan Saunders
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Publication number: 20150343464Abstract: A showerhead including a handle portion, a showerhead portion, a water supply connector, and a moveable mode selector positioned about and sealed with respect to the water supply connector. The moveable mode selector includes a fluid tight chamber; an inlet aperture aligned with the first fluid outlet to provide fluid communication between the fluid passage and the chamber; and two or more outlet apertures respectively and selectively alignable with the two or more second fluid inlets to provide fluid communication between the chamber and the two or more second fluid channels. Movement of the mode selector selectively aligns one of the two or more outlet apertures with a corresponding one of the two or more second fluid inlets while maintaining fluid communication between the inlet aperture and the fluid outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Publication number: 20150336117Abstract: A showerhead including a handle portion, a showerhead portion, a water supply connector, and a mode selector positioned around the water supply connector. The mode selector is positioned around the water supply connector and includes a rotatable control knob mounted above the handle portion and configured to rotate about an axis and a rotatable valve core received within and sealed to the control knob to create a second fluid chamber between the valve core and the control knob. The valve core further defines a first aperture and a second aperture and rotation of the control knob rotates the valve core to selectively align the second aperture of the valve core with one of two or more fluid inlets while maintaining the first aperture in at least partial alignment with a second fluid outlet from the first fluid chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2015Publication date: November 26, 2015Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Patent number: 9144477Abstract: A sonic toothbrush system includes an electric motor, a brush shaft, and a drive assembly. The electric motor includes a drive shaft. When the electric motor is caused to operate, the drive shaft continuously rotates until the motor is caused to stop. The drive assembly is coupled between the drive shaft and the brush shaft. The drive assembly is configured to convert the rotation of the drive shaft into sonic oscillation of a toothbrush head supported on an end of the brush shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: WATER PIK, INC.Inventors: Gary L. Sokol, Harold A. Luettgen
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Publication number: 20150182319Abstract: An apparatus for oral hygiene is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a base unit containing a reservoir, an oral irrigation handle, a sonic toothbrush, and an accessory container. The apparatus may include a pump, which may move pressurized water from a reservoir to a tip in fluid communication with the pump. The apparatus contains a drive mechanism in a gear housing that is continually drained by one or more apertures in the base. The base may include a plurality of footings that elevate the base unit above a surface supporting the base unit. The oral irrigation handle includes a pause switch that translates longitude motion into rotational motion to close a valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2015Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: Robert Wagner, Kurt M. Taylor, Harold A. Luettgen, Jeremy James Johnson
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Publication number: 20150173850Abstract: A dental water jet provides a pressurized water stream for cleaning gums and teeth. The embodiment includes a base unit defining a cavity. The cavity contains a pump, which may move pressurized water from a reservoir to a tip in fluid communication with the pump. A flow control knob may be turned to selectively adjust the water pressure supplied by the tip between a minimum and a maximum value. Fluid may flow from the reservoir and ultimately into the tip to provide oral irrigation and/or cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tongue.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2014Publication date: June 25, 2015Inventors: Jeffrey Garrigues, Harold A. Luettgen
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Patent number: 9061096Abstract: A powered irrigator for use in rinsing nasal cavities has a main body including a handle and a fluid reservoir detachably coupled to one another, an outlet nozzle extending from a top end of the handle, a pump mechanism operably coupled to a power source, and a switch operably coupled to the power source for turning the pump mechanism on and off. When the switch turns on the pump mechanism, fluid flows from the fluid reservoir into a first fluid coupling between the reservoir and the pump mechanism and into a second fluid coupling between the pump mechanism to the outlet nozzle. The top of the handle can be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the main body. The nozzle is removable from the top end and has a self-sealing structure to provide an enhanced fit within a user's nostril.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: WATER PIK, INC.Inventors: Kurt M. Taylor, Gary L. Sokol, Kenneth A. Hair, Harold A. Luettgen
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Publication number: 20150165452Abstract: A handheld showerhead including a showerhead portion, a handle portion, and a movable mode selector portion. The mode selector portion includes a rotationally-fixed first end coupling and a rotationally-fixed second end coupling, which is concentrically aligned with the first end coupling, and a rotatable control knob body. The movable mode selector includes a fluid seal coupled to the rotatable knob body, the first fluid seal including at least one fluid control aperture. The second end coupling also includes a fluid inlet aperture and a fluid outlet aperture. The inlet aperture is in fluid communication with a fluid supply, and the outlet aperture is in fluid communication with the control knob body. A second fluid seal is positioned between the second end coupling and the control knob body. A single mechanical fastener axially couples the control knob body to the first end coupling and the second end coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2015Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn
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Publication number: 20150147717Abstract: An oral irrigator including a handle through which fluid flows to a tip. Fluid flows to the tip during irrigate mode, and fluid flow may be interrupted by selecting a pause mode. The handle includes a mechanically controlled actuator for selecting the pause mode. The actuator may include a rack gear operably connected to a pinion gear formed on a valve spool inside the handle. The valve spool may include a ball that blocks fluid flow to the tip during pause mode but not during irrigate mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Kurt M. Taylor, Harold A. Luettgen, Jeremy James Johnson
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Publication number: 20150107035Abstract: A sonic toothbrush system includes an electric motor, a brush shaft, and a drive assembly. The electric motor includes a drive shaft. When the electric motor is caused to operate, the drive shaft continuously rotates until the motor is caused to stop. The drive assembly is coupled between the drive shaft and the brush shaft. The drive assembly is configured to convert the rotation of the drive shaft into sonic oscillation of a toothbrush head supported on an end of the brush shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Gary L. Sokol, Harold A. Luettgen
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Publication number: 20150090814Abstract: A dual turbine showerhead provides multiple spray modes emanating from the head. The showerhead includes an inlet orifice, a backplate, a first turbine located side-by-side with a second turbine, a faceplate forming a first orifice group and a second orifice group, a first fluid channel in fluid communication with the first and second turbines and the first orifice group, and a second fluid channel in fluid communication with the second orifice group. In another embodiment, the showerhead includes first and a second turbines located side-by-side and a valve body that channels a fluid to the first turbine and the second turbine. In another embodiment, the showerhead includes a first and a second turbine located side-by-side along a centerline of the showerhead, a corresponding outlet region is arranged along the centerline and additional outlet regions are laterally spaced therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Gary D. Golichowski, Gary L. Sokol
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Patent number: 8967497Abstract: A handheld showerhead including a showerhead portion, a handle portion, and a movable mode selector portion. The mode selector portion includes a rotationally-fixed first end coupling and a rotationally-fixed second end coupling, which is concentrically aligned with the first end coupling, and a rotatable control knob body. The movable mode selector includes a fluid seal coupled to the rotatable knob body, the first fluid seal including at least one fluid control aperture. The second end coupling also includes a fluid inlet aperture and a fluid outlet aperture. The inlet aperture is in fluid communication with a fluid supply, and the outlet aperture is in fluid communication with the control knob body. A second fluid seal is positioned between the second end coupling and the control knob body. A single mechanical fastener axially couples the control knob body to the first end coupling and the second end coupling.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Leland C. Leber, Michael J. Quinn